5 THINGS LEARNED: 3SC 1-0 PILLARS | NPFL

|By Oluseyi Adedire|

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A brilliant strike by former Go Round defender Uche Ezeala at the 25th minute saw Shooting Stars beat Kano Pillars 1-0, a result which ended the Oluyole Warriors winless run after five matches.

Uche Ezeala with teammates after scoring for Shooting Stars (Photo Credit: Classic SportView)

LAST FIVE MATCHES BEFORE K. PILLARS

. Plateau United 3-1 𝟛𝕊ℂ (Wed. 16th Feb,2022)

. 𝟛𝕊ℂ 0-0  Tourists (Sun. 20th Feb,2022)

. Abia Warriors 2-1 𝟛𝕊ℂ (Sat. 26th Feb,2022) 

. 𝟛𝕊ℂ 1-1 Rangers (Wed. 2nd Mar, 2022)

. Rivers United 2-1 𝟛𝕊ℂ (Sun. 6th Mar, 2022

3SC dominated the first half of the game and should have scored more most especially at the last ten minutes of the first half, no thanks to Sunday Faleye's casual display in the box and Gafar Olafimihan unimpressive form.

The Ibadan Soccer Lords were passive in the first half, but almost started the second with a goal, Taofeek Malomo had his shot well saved by Pillars' keeper, with Gafar Olafimihan sending the rebound over the bar.

HERE'S OUR FIVE THINGS LEARNED FROM 3SC WIN

1) WING-BACK COVER IS ESSENTIAL

During Sunday's match, on more than ONE occasion, Rabiu Aliu's command/dominance and passes almost cost Shooting Stars which saw Abbey Benson and Uche Ezela in troubles- though- the duo perfectly and luckily denied Kano Pillars a leveller, big thanks to Dare Dede, the man between the sticks.

Kano Pillars easily found their ways past Gahli Falke (right back) and Oyetoro Elijah (left back) forcing a yellow card from the 3SC man on one of these occasions. These situations highlighted call for tactical adjustment and most importantly, Gahli Falke need to rest for at least two matches after about 17 league start in 18.

2) FALSE 9: SUNDAY FALEYE AND GAFAR OLAFIMIHAN

A false nine is a centre-forward who repeatedly moves towards the ball in deeper positions from a high starting position, often dropping to receive centrally. The main intention is to get on the ball away from the opposition centre-backs – and, in doing so, to draw players out of position and disrupt the defence.

With these deep explanations, has the technical crew led by Edith Olumide Agoye justified his competence?

Gafar Olafimihan has enjoyed being a point man and false 9 - but unable to score. So far, he has scored twice from the spot kick (Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors).

Sunday Faleye, after his second debut for the club against Dakkada, the Nigeria international has been soft especially in the final third.

Before you judge, remember that Edith Agoye and Kabir Alausa were prolific sharp shooters before retirement. You can now judge!

3) BRAVO! AGOYE GOT IT RIGHT AT THE MIDDLE

It was a suprise when the lineups were announced that Damilare Olatunji, Aniete Uko and Akilu Mohammed were men at the middle and it paid off for Edith Olumide Agoye. These three soldiers were absolutely brilliant and superb against Kano Pillars. No more words, big thanks to Agoye - but fans want to see more of his tactical input and prowess.

4) DARE DEDE HAS BECOME AN EXCELLENT FIRST CHOICE

No one can actually name Shooting Stars first choice goalkeeper but recent staticstic revealed that Dare Dede has been excellent in previous appearances. He had about five brilliant saves against Kano Pillars. However, his recent form deserves more inclusion in the lineup.

5) THE SEASON ISN'T OVER YET

It was a very disappointing result once again this season (at the first stanza), but it shouldn't be viewed as the end of Shooting Stars' season. A top six finish would be 3SC's best league finish after four years at the lower division. Some decisions have been made the State Governor and club management. Perfectly done, round pegs in round holes but results matter.