MatchDay 5 of the thirteenth Gold Cup delivered excessive drama and thrilling soccer motion, with Sunshine Stars claiming South-West bragging rights and Lobi Stars struggling a shock defeat to maintain the semifinal race broad open.
On the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu, Sunshine Stars placed on a commanding second-half efficiency to defeat Sporting Lagos 2–0.
After a decent, goalless first half, Gabriel Adepoju broke the impasse within the forty eighth minute with an outstanding strike, earlier than Kingsley Ogunmola doubled the benefit 5 minutes later to seal victory.
The consequence marked Sunshine Stars’ second win of the event after an opening-day loss to hosts FC Ebedei.
Elsewhere, Lobi Stars’ unbeaten run got here to an finish in stunning style, as they fell 1–0 to Ekiti United. A 56th-minute personal aim by Akile Monday proved pricey, leaving the Makurdi facet with a must-win conflict in opposition to Seamoriow FC on MatchDay 6 if they’re to maintain their semifinal hopes alive.
Crown FC stole the headlines in one other venue, storming to a 5–2 win over Stormers SC in a pulsating encounter. Ebenezer Odeyemi emerged because the standout performer, netting his third aim of the event to grow to be the present prime scorer.
Oyedeji Samuel additionally impressed with a brace, whereas Osas Kelvin and Onyeka Nwaiwu added their names to the scoresheet. Either side had been awarded penalties in a sport full of end-to-end motion.
In the meantime, FC Ebedei bounced again from their 1–2 loss to Sporting Lagos by edging Abakaliki FC 1–0. Kennedy John’s coolly taken 62nd-minute penalty made the distinction, whereas Miracle Osakene got here near extending the lead with a late effort that struck the crossbar.
With one spherical of matches left earlier than the semifinals, the race for qualification stays intense. Sunshine Stars, FC Ebedei, and Crown FC have all made sturdy statements, whereas Lobi Stars and Sporting Lagos face mounting stress heading into the decisive MatchDay 6 fixtures.
