Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Rivers United came from a goal down to defeat Sunshine Stars 2-1 in an exciting Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clash decided at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
United started tentatively and duly got punished when a shocking goalkeeping error by Darlington Ovunda, who was making his ever league the first start of his career, allowed Sunshine Stars to take a shock lead.
Omo Jesu Ogunniyi smacked into an unguarded net from close range to silence the home faithful in the 13th minute of the encounter.
However, Rivers United fought back gamely and was immediately back on level terms as Peter Ubakanma swept home from a corner with the visitors failing to clear their lines.
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It was Ubakanma’s first-ever league goal for United following his arrival from the MFM club just over a season ago.
United started the second half on the front foot and quickly earned a penalty which was easily dispatched by Konan N’gouan.
United had several other opportunities to extend their lead but displayed profligacy on more than a single occasion to keep the visitors in the game.
Meanwhile, Technical Manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma was full of praise for his team after the game.
“When they scored the first goal, it didn’t demoralize us. The players came back into the game and went on to get the second goal and now we have broken the jinx.
“Henceforth, Sunshine Stars will fall in Port Harcourt,” he said.
Rivers United have now moved to seventh on the NPFL standings with 15 points from 10 matches.
