Sunshine Back In Contention

Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars are back in contention in this year’s CAF Champions League after a 0-0 draw against Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia on Saturday.

The Akure outfit have climbed to third place in Group A after they picked up their first point, while Esperance are top on six points after two rounds of matches.

Etoile, who are second on the table with four points, will face Esperance in a local derby on 5 August, while Sunshine will improve their stocks if they beat bottom Aso Chlef of Algeria in their own game that weekend.

Sunshine appeared to have lost their way after they were outclassed 2-0 at home by defending champions Esperance, but they posted a solid defensive display to frustrate hosts Etoile Saturday night inside the Olympic Stadium in Sousse.

The Nigerian club attributed their result on the road to their resolve to bounce after the setback against Esperance.

Moses Ocheje, who was the busier of the two goalkeepers on the night, told MTNFootball.com that his defenders stuck to the instructions of coach Gbenga Ogunbote.

“We played according to the coach’s instructions and it worked for us. I must commend my defenders for making my job easier because they were all composed,” he said.

“This victory will boost our morale and confidence ahead of our next game.”

Midfielder Sunday Emmanuel, who went in as a substitute and was replaced later, said hard work, discipline and tactical discipline were keys to the result in Tunisia.

“It was a tough game, but we thank God our tactics worked because we were able to absorb the pressure from them till end. Their fans turned against them because we were playing well towards the end,” said Emmanuel, who rejoined the team after a brief spell at Enyimba.

“Hard work, determination and tactical discipline helped us against Etoile.”

Sunshine, who are due back in Nigeria on Monday, would have to improve on their finishing against Aso Chlef in a fortnight as they are yet to score in two group games thus far.