Shooting Stars strike late to beat Bendel Insurance in Ibadan

Shooting Stars scored twice in the closing stages before holding on to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors had struggled to create a decisive opening during a tightly contested first half, with the teams going into the interval level at 0–0.

The match finally opened up in the closing minutes when Olakunle Akala put the hosts in front in the 84th minute. His well-taken strike gave Shooting Stars the lead after a largely uneventful contest.

Substitute Qamar Adegoke then appeared to settle the outcome by adding a second goal in the 90+2nd minute, placing Shooting Stars in a strong position to claim all three points.

Bendel Insurance responded quickly and reduced the deficit through Alex Oweilayefa in the 90+7th minute. The visitors, however, were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.

The result lifted Shooting Stars to seventh in the NPFL table with 18 points from 13 matches.

Bendel Insurance stayed second on 21 points, despite missing the chance to strengthen their position near the top of the standings.

Shooting Stars will next face Enugu Rangers in the league on 22 November, while Bendel Insurance will try to recover from the defeat in their next fixture.