Sunshine Stars head coach Kennedy Boboye has hinged Wednesday’s NPFL matchday seven 3-0 defeat to Kwara United on the overgrown pitch of the Kwara Sports Complex in Ilorin.
According to Sunshine Stars media, the veteran gaffer opined that the bushy nature of the pitch prevented his charges from pulling the strings as they did against Rangers International a few days earlier. Boboye, however, conceded that the home team was the better side on the day.
He said, “The pitch was part of the problem that affected our playing; not that we are not used to grass, but the bone of contention was that the grass was not cut and badly maintained.
“I don’t know how a pitch like that was approved for games and they failed to cut it before the matchday,” he enthused.
“The field is overgrown; the ball was not moving smoothly, but on the contrary, Kwara United were unperturbed as they are used to the turf.”
Alalade Wasiu scored in the 30th and 38th minutes for the Harmony Boys for a two-goal lead in the first half.
The Owena Whales showed character after the goals, but their efforts were not successful as Kwara United’s goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori stopped their visitors from reducing the deficit, stopping a penalty before an unmarked Shola Abdulraheem put the ball into the top corner to extend the hosts’ lead in the 73rd minute.
Sunshine Stars will next play host to Nasarawa United at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, in a week eight match of the League.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]