EuroMatch NPFL: Pressure eases on Salisu Yusuf as Shooting Stars return to winning ways with 3-1 win over Ranchers Bees

Shooting Stars Sports Club returned to winning ways in impressive fashion, defeating Ranchers Bees 3-1 in their EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday nine encounter in Ibadan, giving under-pressure technical advisor Salisu Yusuf a much-needed victory.

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Sports247 reports that goals from Desmond Ojietefian, Damilola Akinola and Qamar Adegoke secured maximum points for the Oluyole Warriors, while Isah Ndala Aliyu scored the only goal for the visitors.

The victory came at a crucial time for the Shooting Stars, whose recent struggles had led to growing frustration among fans and increased scrutiny of the coaching staff.

Determined to make their home advantage count, Shooting Stars got off to a positive start and found the breakthrough in the 14th minute through Desmond Ojietefian.

However, Ranchers Bees responded in the 38th minute when Isah Ndala Aliyu restored parity, temporarily frustrating the home team. With the first half nearing its end, Damilola Akinola scored three minutes into stoppage time to restore the Shooting Stars’ lead.

The goal at the end of the first half ensured that the Oluyole Warriors entered the locker room with a 2-1 lead. The Shooting Stars had the chance to extend their lead shortly after the restart when they were awarded a penalty.

Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up to take the penalty in the 52nd minute, but Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Tofa made an important save to keep his team within reach. The intervention temporarily maintained the visitors’ hopes of finding another draw.

However, the Shooting Stars maintained their lead and eventually found the decisive third goal.

The highlight of the match came in the 71st minute, when Qamar Adegoke produced a magnificent individual shot to put the result beyond doubt.

Showing impressive close control, Adegoke moved the ball away from his marker before slotting his shot into the net from a difficult angle. The spectacular goal extended the Shooting Stars’ lead to 3-1 and ended an important offensive performance.

Beyond the three points, the result represented an important response from the Shooting Stars after a difficult period marked by criticism from the fans.

Before the meeting, the Executive President Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami called for loyalty and encouragement from the club’s supporters, describing them as the twelfth man in the team.

The president also maintained his confidence in Salisu Yusuf despite the team’s disappointing results.

Friday’s victory therefore offered a timely boost for the manager, players and management as they look to regain confidence and improve their league campaign.

For the Ranchers Bees, the loss extended their difficult run of results, leaving the visitors with more questions to answer.

The Shooting Stars now hope their convincing 3-1 win can serve as a turning point, with Salisu Yusuf eager to build momentum and restore the Oluyole Warriors’ competitive edge in the NPFL.