NPFL 23: Plateau United, Shooting Stars share spoils in six-goal thriller in Jos

By Wale Mustapha

It was a game of two halves in the most high-scoring encounter of opening Nigeria Premier Football League fixtures as Plateau United rallied to earn a point after a 3-3 draw at home to Shooting Stars.

The Group A encounter at the New Jos Stadium in Plateau State saw both teams shared both halves in terms of dominance, with Shooting Stars taking early lead in the sixth minutes from Joshua Akpan’s header.

Plateau, however responded quickly two minutes later when Ifeanyi Emmanuel beat keeper Bamidele Adeniyi after a perfect team build up to level matters.

The Oluyole Warriors fought to get themselves back in front again in the 15th minute when striker Anthony Okachi reached to the end of Onukwube Samuel’s pass and the former did well enough to make the opportunity count.

The Tin City club dominated the remaining moments of the first half but could find the cutting edge to beat a well structured defense of Shooting Stars.

In the second half, Fidelis Illechukwu’s side looked the hungrier side but Shooting Stars survived the scare and eventually went ahead again with five minutes after the hour mark when Akintunde Azeez fired home the third goal.

After captain Daniel Itodo came close, Plateau intensified their comeback quest when Chappy Katoh picked out substitute Uche Owusonnanya in a vantage position and placed it past Shooting keeper in the 73rd minute.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Plateau United completed the comeback with the third goal, Katoh, yet again the provider and his delivery was converted by Ifeanyi for his second goal.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s side were on the back foot for the final moments of the game but stood their ground to secure a point in Jos.

Shooting will take on Kwara United on Thursday while Plateau United will be guest to Insurance FC in Benin.