Sunshine conquers ASO Chlef in Algeria

Nigeria's Sunshine stars defeated ASO Chlef of Algeria on Friday night. Sunshine Stars had won the first leg by two goals to nil a fortnight ago in Ijebu Ode,Ogun state. The CAF Champions League match was played in Algeria. ASO Chlef's defeat is their fourth in a row since the beginning of the group stage of this year's competition. Sunshine captain, Godfrey Oboabuna led a steel defence that prevented the Algerians from getting a goal in the opening minutes of the game. The visitors were under intense pressure from the fierce Algerian attack. However, in the 43rd minute Jude Ebitogwa delivered a long pass that left Izu Azuka with only the ASO keeper to beat. He passed the ball to Medrano Tamen who was unmarked in the penalty box, the Cameroonian slot the ball into an empty net to give the Nigrians an unlikely lead.
After the restart, another Cameroonian, Paul Emile Biyaga equalised for the hosts in the 48th minute. ASO Chlef were in search of their second goal until they had one of their players sent off for a rough tackle in the 66th minute. Ghaabi's departure gave the Nigerians an edge over them.

In the 74th minute, Sunshine got the winning goal through Okeyima Akombo. ASO's latest defeathas finally ruled them out of this year's campaign with just two games left in the group stage. Esperance are currently on top of group B with 9 points and they will play against Etoile du Sahel that are third with just four points on Saturday night. A win for Esperance will guarantee them the top spot in the group if they get a draw in one of their last two matches. Sunshine earned $12000 from Orange(Champions League sponsors.) $2000 were awarded to them for the two goals scored while $10000 accounted for the win they got. In the four games they've played at this stage, they've earned a total of $29000 which is approximately 5.5 million Nigerian Naira. Their next game will be against the defending champions (Esperance) in a fortnight.

Sunshine in high hopes ahead of Aso Chlef clash

Sunshine Stars of Nigeria are in good shape ahead of this Friday's CAF Champions League match against ASO Chlef of Algeria. The Nigerian representatives are currently placed in the second spot of the log standings in group B with four points. The 2011 CAF Confederations Cup semi finalists have a superior head-to-head record against Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia that have also amassed four points from two games. The first leg of the match between SO Chlef and Sunshine ended in a 2-0 victory for the Nigerians. Aso Chlef have lost all their three matches in the group phase of this year's Champions League. A victory for Sunshine will put them in a good place to qualify for the semi finals as Esperance take on Etoile in Sousse later this weekend. Izu Azuka is Sunshine's top scorer with five goals in the continental showpiece.

Sunshine records first group phase win.

Sunshine Stars of Nigeria defeated Aso Chlef FC of Algeria in a CAF Champions League group B match that took place at the Dipo Dina Stadium. The Algerians had lost their first two matches to Etoile and Esperance FC of Tunisia before Sunday's loss. Gbenga Ogunbote was able to fashion out a winning formula for last season's Confederations Cup semi finalists. Izu Azuka scored his fifth goal of the competition to make it 2-0 to the Nigerians. The Super Eagles invitee missed a golden chance to make it 3-0 in the 85th minute. Akombo,Ajani Ibrahim and Olorundare were at their best throughout the game. Moses Ocheje saved his team from conceding a late goal. Sunshine Stars have recorded four points from three games and they'll need a confirmation of the all-Tunisian affair between Esperance and Etoile du Sahel before they know their fate midway into the group phase. Sunshine's next fixture will be the return leg of this match in Algeria on August 20th.