Forward Qamar Adegoke came off the bench to score as Shooting Stars returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Ranchers Bees in the NPFL on Friday night, reports www.aclsports.com.
In a game that featured three goals from set-piece situations in the first half, Adegoke fired past the goalkeeper to score a stunning goal in the second half to see out the win – the club’s first in six league matches.
Head coach Salisu Yusuf and his boys have been under pressure to return to winning ways following back-to-back goalless home draws and the defeats on the road at Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat. The former Super Eagles head coach made several changes to his squad as the Oluyole Warriors went in search of a win in their first night game of the season.
Shooting Stars kept the visitors at bay for most of the early exchanges. The hosts deservedly went in front after a long throw-in from Issa Yusuf was headed home by defender Desmond Ojietefian in the 14th minute. However, the hosts weathered the storm to equalize from a free kick by Isah Ndala in the 38th minute.
The pendulum shifted once more after the home side were pegged back. They continued to put pressure on the visitors from set pieces, and they were rewarded once more on the stroke of half-time when Damilola Akinola fired home after the Bees failed to clear their lines. 3SC went into the break with the lead.
After the resumption of proceedings, Shooting Stars continued to put pressure on the backline of the visitors, and they were awarded a spot-kick after the defender handled the ball in the area. Striker Sodiq Ibrahim saw his penalty saved by Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Alhassan Tofa.
The Bees came forward a few times, but they could not find the right finish to get back into the game. In the 71st minute, Qamar, who replaced Damilola seven minutes earlier, deceived the goalkeeper with cross cum shot to extend the Warriors’ lead.
The hosts had multiple chances to extend their lead, but the likes of Lucky Emmanuel missed. In the end, Shooting Stars defeated Ranchers Bees to return to winning ways.
More action continues in the NPFL on Saturday and Sunday as the 2026/27 NPFL season enters matchday nine.
