It was a show of shame for Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan as they suffered a 5-1 thrashing in the hands of Akwa United in round 16 of Aiteo Cup on Wednesday.
The Oluyole Warriors, who were without their head coach, Fatai Amoo due to some logistic challenges, experienced their worst defeat in the annual football championship as they fell to the superior fire power of the Promise Keepers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo
A hat-trick from Amaechi Orji (37th, 49th and 51st minutes) and a goal each from Hassan Babangida and Christian Pyagbara in the fifth and 92nd minutes respectively secured the emphatic win for Akwa United and 3SC s’ only goal was scored by Abu Azeez in the 14 minutes to make it 1-1.
Amoo said he could guess without making excuses for the poor performance that his wards must have been too tired and worn out to raise a meaningful fight due to the stressful and tedious top-flight trips to Maiduguri and Lokoja respectively prior to the Aiteo Cup clash at Akwa United.
“I actually wanted us to win the Aiteo Cup clash against Akwa United but something told me that it would be too tough.
“Akwa United are a solid side and you must be 100 percent fresh and physically fit to confront the side in a competitive match.
“I’m sure fatigue would have taken its toll on the players considering the stressful and tedious trips to Maiduguri and Lokoja respectively for the league matches.
“I cannot comprehend the scoreline but I know that if the players had been fresh the outcome would not have been as catastrophic.
The loss to Akwa United has seen the Ibadan landlords exit the Aiteo Cup.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
