A late goal by Moyinoluwa Owolabi, a back breaking goal became heartbreaking for not only the players and management of Imo strikers, it equally became distressing for the fans as they had been swayed by the beautiful football exhibited by the losing side.
A first half penalty had been converted by Moyinoluwa Ajibade for the Owena team and Sunshine Queens immediately assumed ascendancy, missing a plethora of chances all along before the first half came to an end.
The 2nd half was a different ball game entirely as Imo Strikers mounted the heat on their more illustrious opponents from the get go. After several near misses, star girl Oscar Precious turned the ball into the net from a goal mouth melee off a corner kick and more pressure from the Easterners were to follow but chances after chances went abegging.
The defining moment came 5 minutes to the end as Moyinoluwa Owolabi collected a pass on the edge of the opponents 18 yard box, shrugged off her marker and unleashed a Canon, it was unstoppable. The inevitable had happened, experience had just trumped exuberance.
Sunshine Stars celebrated afterwards not only the 3 points but the birthday of one of their players, Suliat Ajibade. A very lucky girl playing for a fortunate team.
