By Isaac Afolabi
Sunshine Stars Football Club of Ondo State recorded another impressive performance with a convincing two-nil victory over Sporting Lagos at the ongoing 2025 Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament held at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele, Sagamu.
Inspired by their earlier win against Greenlock FC, the Akure-based side started the encounter with confidence as striker Gabriel Adepoju broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a fine finish, before Kingsley Ogunmola doubled the lead five minutes later to seal the second straight win for Sunshine Stars in Group A.
Speaking with journalists after the match, Sporting Lagos head coach, Jeffery Butter, admitted that although his team played better football, their failure to convert numerous scoring opportunities cost them the match.
On his part, Sunshine Stars head coach, Bobola Akinfolarin, described the encounter as a tough one, acknowledging the pedigree of Sporting Lagos. However, he praised his players and technical crew for their tactical discipline and resilience, which ensured they secured all three points vital for progression to the next round of the competition.
Coach Akinfolarin further emphasized that Sunshine Stars are still in the process of rebuilding ahead of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season, adding that the team would continue to improve as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, Kingsley Ogunmola was voted Man of the Match for his energetic display and decisive goal that helped Sunshine Stars triumph over the Lagos-based side.
Sunshine Stars FC will next face Federation Cup runners-up, Abakaliki FC, in their final Group A fixture on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. at the same venue in Sagamu, Ogun State.