Heartland Claim Narrow Win at Shooting Stars

Jimoh Oni’s late striker staved off the first away win of the new Glo Premier League season for Heartland FC at Shooting Stars on Saturday.

Close season recruit Ebere Ediche opened scoring for the Naze Millionaires from a free-kick but Taofeek Adepoju leveled for 3SC. Oni silenced the Lekan Salami Stadium four minutes from time.

Newly promoted 3SC are now without a point after two rounds of matches, while Heartland have recorded their first win after their match Day 1 home clash with Champions was postponed.

Shooting Stars got off to a shaky start in their first home game of the season. Defender Yinka Adedeji’s let off almost cost the Ibadan-based team an early goal in the 15th minute but the ball was cleared from the attacking third.

Odiche buried home his free-kick a minute later to place the visitors in ascendancy. The ex-Warri Wolves striker watched his shot come off the crossbar in the 23rd minute as Heartland continued to dominate possession.

3SC were largely on the back foot for most of the match aside squandered opportunities by Taofeek and Meshack Chukwubuikem in first-half and second-half injury time.

Mohammed Mohammed could have doubled the Owerri club’s lead on restart but failed to fashion a way past home goalkeeper Kola Ige.

Taofeek equalised for Oluyole Warriors five minutes after the hour mark.

Coach Erasmus Onuh introduced Oni for Mohammed immediately after the equaliser and the super sub restored Heartland’s goal cushion in the closing minutes.