Sunshine Queens FC of Akure came from behind to defeat Delta Queens 2-1 in the match day eight of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NWFL) played at the Ondo State Sports complex,Akure.
Sunshine Queens goalkeeper, Precious Aaron, had a beautiful save before Delta Queens benefitted from a defensive error in the 25th minute for the visitors to lead temporarily.
The resilient Sunshine Queens were not perturbed with a goal deficit ,rather, they continued taking the game to their visitors with eyes on leveller.
Bolaji Olamide could have brought the home side into the game in the 27th minute but her strike from outside the box was denied by Delta Queens Goalkeeper.
The host waited till the introduction of Mercy Mbachu, who replaced injured Chinaza Soroibe before they got the leveller from Bolaji Olamide in the 39th minute, after she fired a missile into the top roof of the net to put smiles on the faces of the home fans.
It was 1-1 draw as the Center referee signalled the end of the first half.
Sunshine Queens continued their domination in the second half with the introduction of the trio of Shola Oduwale, Precious Edewor and Nwamaka Augusta which replaced Suliyat Ajibade, Taiwo Ajibade and Taiwo Aganmuyi respectively.
Shola Oduwale gritty effort went inches wide in the 61minutes, while Aluba Ogba’s shot was parried into corner kick moments later.
Sunshine Queens’ continued pressing paid off in the 68th minute with Delta Queens’ player bringing down Bolaji Olamide inside the box resulting in a penalty.
Precious Edewor stepped up to convert from the spot kick to mark her return into the team with a goal.
The midfield duo of Akubo Obianuju and Mercy Mbachu kept it tight with the defence marshaled by Oge Joseph, Divine Onwuchekwa, Kehinde Aganmuyi and Aluba Ogba to ensure the 2022/23 defending Champions went home empty handed.
In a chat with newsmen, Sunshine Queens head coach, Abimbola Oladimeji commended his resilience players for making the state proud with important three maximum points in the kitty.
He added that the game was a very good encounter from both sides, adding that he will continue to approach every game as they come.
Sunshine Queens will play their next against Bayelsa Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Bayelsa State.
Sunshine Queens Media
Femi Atolagbe