Sunshine's Duke Slams Officiating, Blames Defeat on Dubious Calls[VIDEO]

Story by Modo Victor.


Coach of Sunshine Stars of Akure, Duke Udi, has put the blame for his side's 2-1 loss to Mountain Top FC Lagos(MFM FC) squarely at the feet of the officials.

Speaking with journalists after the game at the Agege Township Stadium, Duke alleged that the referees  influenced the outcome of the game by waving away what he believes were clear penalty appeals from his side.

Duke alleged that the outcome of the game was prearranged, with the referee deciding to award them a penalty after the home team had gone two goals up in a bid to put a gloss over the foul play.

Sunshine Stars lost to MFM FC courtesy Tchato Giscard's first half strike after good interplay from MFM and a Stephen Odey penalty after Omaka Anthony handled Olatunbosun's snap shot in the area. Sunshine pulled one back also from the spot in the dying stages of the game, with Otegbeye Ajibola sending Folarin Abayomi in the MFM goal the wrong way.

MFM players celebrate Tchato's goal

Odey makes it two from the spot

Sunshine Stars pull one back from the spot through Otegbeye

The game was handled by the quintuplet of Bola Abidoye, Akinsanya Akintunde, Usman Abdulmajeed, Oladoja Muyiwa and Fagbemi Olakunle.

Center referee, just after issuing a yellow card to MFM goalkeeper for time wasting

WARNING: EVERYTHING BEYOND THIS POINT IS HEAVILY LACED WITH THE 

WRITER'S OPINION.

STOP, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

There may be suspect grounds in the NPFL where fan intimidation, inadequate security and threat to life play a part in tipping the scale in favour of the home teams. Agege stadium, with their always adequate security arrangement in this 2016/2017 football season is not one of them. A thorough look at the sunshine stars game plan on the day exposed frailties in the coach's adopted strategy that can easily be seen as the reason for their loss.

Action moments(duels)

Sunshine stars played a strong game in the midfield and attack, nice touches, full blooded tackles and the gloss of the occasional dribbles gave them control over the middle of the park for much of the first period. However, the front four of MFM fc(Onuwa, Odey, Sikiru and Shinshinma) had a field day with the defense line of sunshine stars. Aside hasty clearances and "anywhere belle face" pull outs, MFM attackers had the beating of the first man they faced every time(Sikiru and Shinshinma particularly enjoyed taking their markers to the cleaners).

The front line for MFM always had the beating of their first marker

The first goal for MFM came as a result of lack of positional discipline that saw the left wing back drawn out of his slot by quick one two passes that left a gaping hole in defense that was duly exploited by Tchato(yes, Tchato, an unlikely goal source).

Despite having up to four attackers on the field at the same time, Sunshine players kept throwing away good goal scoring opportunities, most notable among them being Alimi Sikiru's header wide when it was easier to score.

Alimi was all action on the day. Missed a sitter 

Who else has taken note of the performances by Opara in the heart of the MFM defence

The connecting pass was the problem as Alimi and co most times had to muscle their way through defenders and hope to get on the end of crosses from the wing backs as only outlets to goal. The introduction of Agogo Ebitimi brought a calmness to their passing and promised a lot more end product, having spectators wonder why he was not on from the beginning.

The penalty for MFM was deserved, as once again good interchange of passes left a gaping hole in the left side of defense(again), this time allowing Agboyega Adekunle the space and time to take a shot which was smartly saved by the visitors goal keeper.

Agboyega's effort

The resultant spill fell to Olatunbosun who saw his snap shot saved by Omaka Anthony(yes I used saved, buffon will be proud), resulting in a spot kick which NPFL leading goal scorer, Odey, tucked away with ease.

Omaka handles the ball in the area

Weight of realization

Odey places the ball for the spot kick

He sends Henry the wrong way for his 16th goal of the season

We actively search for clear injustice during games we see because quite frankly that is what sells the news, so I will gladly shout along with D'Duke and scream white murder, but I believe Sunshine were not denied any glaring penalty, with question marks even arising from the spot kick they were awarded.

Sunshine stars win and convert their spot kick. Otegbeye on spotkick duty

Singing to the Pope after every loss and screaming blue murder at every turn does not do well for our league, but when necessary, shout at the top of your lungs, however, this is not one of those cases. Mr Duke, you lost today, not because you were robbed sir, YOUR DEFENDERS LETS YOU DOWN.

Audacious back heel by Olatunbosun