Debutant Ijebu United got their campaign in the Optima Energy Gold Cup on a flourishing start with an upset, as they whipped Sunshine Stars 4-2 in the opening fixture of the 11th edition of the pre-season tourney at the Remo Stars International Stadium on Friday.
It was a game of two halves for Ijebu United; with two penalties for both teams, as Ifeanyi Ihemekweele made a bold statement scoring a hat-thrick for the Nigerian National League club.
Former champion had the chance to take the lead in the 10th minute with Olalusi Micheal attempt on goal saved by Ijebu United goalkeeper.
Seven minutes later, Ijebu United took a surprised lead after Babus Gaye beat his makers to volley his effort to the top right corner of goal, with the first striker of this year’s edition.
Ihemekweele gave his team a two gaol cushion in the 35th minute scoring from the spot after Sunshine Stars goalie gave away a penalty, as he was adjudged to have made a technical foul on the striker by the ref and his assistant.
The team, then went into the break with the lead as Sunshine Stars was denied a life line by the woodwork via a powerful strike from a set-piece at the edge of the box.
It was joy turned soar for Ijebu United early in the second half, after they thought they had taken Sunshine Stars to the cleaners with the two first half goals, only for the Owena Whales to draw level within five minutes.
The duo of Moses Omodueke scored from the spot for Sunshine Stars in the 58th minute to make it 2-1 while Opeoluwa Olufemi put the game on level terms, when he made the most from Ijebu United’s school boy defending, as he pounced on a cross from Vincent Temitope.
Sunshine Stars were made to pay the price of a poor defending, which left Ihemekweele to score his brace and his team’s third goal of the match.
The Optima Energy Gold Cup top goal scorer then put the icing on the cake for Ijebu United, after he completed his hat-trick with nice tap in off a counter attack, assisted by Osheka Elijah in added time.
Ijebu-Ode now leads Group A with full maximum points and a plus 2 goals difference from a game.
