Match report: Enyimba edge past Sunshine in Ijebu Ode

Victor Mbaoma’s second half goal marked the boundary as Enyimba overcame Sunshine Stars at the Dina Dipo Stadium on Sunday.

The striker pressed hard and benefitted ultimately as Mustapha Lawal’s clearance bounced off his trunk into goal with the second half still in its infancy.

Enyimba displayed solidity afterwards, and in spite of a late barrage from the hosts, remained unbroken to seal a revitalising win.

Finidi George had brought freshness to his backline, with Olorunleke Ojo, Oluwatosin Adegbite and Bilal Yakubu coming in as changes to the side that started against Nasarawa United four days earlier.

Sunshine, in spite of their purposeful start and fluid possession style, carried little goal threat until five minutes to the break when Babatunde Bello’s freekick was repelled by Olorunleke Ojo.

Enyimba defended with composure and progressed swiftly with Samuel Kalu and Ekene Awazie providing pace and trickery.

Victor Mbaoma’s low drive from outside the box was tipped away by Mustapha Lawal while Emeka Obioma came within inches of connecting to a low cross.

The hosts threatened in the half’s closing stages with a header from a corner, well cleared by returnee right back, Bilal Yakubu.

With the second half just seconds underway, Enyimba took the lead in a rather unlikely manner, Mustapha Lawal’s clearance ricocheting off Mbaoma into the net.

Emeka Obioma launched onto a long ball in an immediate attempt to double the lead, but fell short of directing his strike on target.

The hosts sent every ball forward in a desperate drive for a leveller, and their best chance at it came at the death when Ugochukwu Leonard headed over the top with the goal at his mercy.

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