After what could be called an abysmal performance at the just concluded Value Jet preseason tournament, Shooting Stars have begun the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on an impressive note after a comeback 4-1 victory over Beyond Limit.
The Gbenga Ogunbote led side sent a strong signal to other opponents in the competition having scored four goals in the second half to overcome the academy boys.
Second-half hattrick from Joshua Akpan and a strike from Isaac Afolabi salvaged Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s first-half goal for Beyond Limit.
Early in the 12th minute of the game, Beyond Limits’ chance for an opener from Kparobo Ariehi hit the crossbar.
After several attempts on goal, the Academy boys broke the deadlock from Ebenezer Akinsanmiro’s finesse shot in the 30th minute.
Having gone to the second half with a goal deficit, the Oluyole Warriors roared back into the game with a Isaac Afolabi 50 minutes goal.
Two minutes later, Joshua Akpan scored the second from a deflected shot from a freekick spot.
The forward doubled the lead in the 60th minute in a sublime style and further scored completed his hat trick three minutes later. It was the first hattrick of the competition.
In another game that was played simultaneously, Niger Tornadoes stunned Gateway United by a lone goal.
After a barren draw in the first half, the Ikon Allah boys scored in the 50th minute from Hamza Mohammed’s shot.
Shooting Stars will be facing Gombe United on Saturday while Tornadoes host new boys Hammola FC on Friday.
