Sunshine in ACL Mission Impossible
Sunshine Star Seun Olubayo
Aluko waits | Dolphin bullish
Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars said they could overturn a 4-1 loss at
Recreativo of Angola to reach the third round of the CAF Champions League.
Sunshine, who reached the last four of last year’s CAF Confederation Cup, suffered a crushing defeat a fortnight ago to leave their cup hopes in shambles.
The Nigerian club blamed a lapse in concentration at the tail end of the match in Angola as they let in three goals within the last 10 minutes.
However, they have now said they are capable of scoring at least three goals and also keeping a clean sheet in Ijebu-Ode Sunday to advance in the competition at the expense of the Angolans, who stopped South African champions Orlando Pirates in the previous round.
Sunshine captain Godfrey Obaobona told MTNFootball.com it is a task they can achieve.
"It’s still very possible for us to make the next round of the Champions League. I know the Angolan side are very good, but if they could score four against us, nothing stops us from doing the same when they come here," he said.
“It is going to be tough no doubt, but I am sure we can make it. All we need do is win 3-0 or more. If we could beat a team like Wikki Tourist 4-1 (in the NPL), then Recreativo will fall.
“We are focused on this game and we will do all within our reach to win and qualify.”
The defender, who has netted six times this season, further added, "We have reviewed the tape of that game as a team and we have all agreed that the Libolo club are not a side we should lose to by such a huge margin.
“So, this weekend in Ijebu-Ode, it would be a different ball game because we would try our best to convert every chance that comes our way."
Sunshine striker Dele Olorundare said the big win over Wikki on Wednesday has lifted the Akure club ahead of this big game.
“It will be a tough game no doubt as we now have to score three or even four unreplied goals to advance. It is difficult but it is achievable,” said Olorundare, who has fired three goals in the last two NPL games.
“Our victory in the last NPL game (vs Wikki) is a huge morale booster and I am looking forward to continuing with my good scoring form.
“All we need do is to start the goal scoring early to destabilise them and not give them any room to employ any delay tactics.
“I am sure we will get the goals we need to scale through this stage.”
Sunshine, who reached the last four of last year’s CAF Confederation Cup, suffered a crushing defeat a fortnight ago to leave their cup hopes in shambles.
The Nigerian club blamed a lapse in concentration at the tail end of the match in Angola as they let in three goals within the last 10 minutes.
However, they have now said they are capable of scoring at least three goals and also keeping a clean sheet in Ijebu-Ode Sunday to advance in the competition at the expense of the Angolans, who stopped South African champions Orlando Pirates in the previous round.
Sunshine captain Godfrey Obaobona told MTNFootball.com it is a task they can achieve.
"It’s still very possible for us to make the next round of the Champions League. I know the Angolan side are very good, but if they could score four against us, nothing stops us from doing the same when they come here," he said.
“It is going to be tough no doubt, but I am sure we can make it. All we need do is win 3-0 or more. If we could beat a team like Wikki Tourist 4-1 (in the NPL), then Recreativo will fall.
“We are focused on this game and we will do all within our reach to win and qualify.”
The defender, who has netted six times this season, further added, "We have reviewed the tape of that game as a team and we have all agreed that the Libolo club are not a side we should lose to by such a huge margin.
“So, this weekend in Ijebu-Ode, it would be a different ball game because we would try our best to convert every chance that comes our way."
Sunshine striker Dele Olorundare said the big win over Wikki on Wednesday has lifted the Akure club ahead of this big game.
“It will be a tough game no doubt as we now have to score three or even four unreplied goals to advance. It is difficult but it is achievable,” said Olorundare, who has fired three goals in the last two NPL games.
“Our victory in the last NPL game (vs Wikki) is a huge morale booster and I am looking forward to continuing with my good scoring form.
“All we need do is to start the goal scoring early to destabilise them and not give them any room to employ any delay tactics.
“I am sure we will get the goals we need to scale through this stage.”
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