Shooting Stars Fight Back To Force Draw Against Bendel Insurance

A feisty encounter between Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance proved to be the match of the weekend in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Benin Arsenals were on course to increase their lead at the summit of the table in Group A but 3SC rallied back to get a share of the spoils at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

Imade Osarenkhoe fired visiting Insurance in front within 33 seconds of kick off after capitalising on Shooting Stars' defensive blunder.

3SC looked for an immediate response as the battle raged but Insurance went 2-0 up in the 38th minute with Ismael Seriki doubling the visitors' advantage following another defensive error.

Malomo Taofeeq replied with a close range finish for Shooting Stars to reduce the deficit two minutes before the break.

The hosts resumed the second half with bite in their attack and eventually equalised in the 64th minute, 26 minutes from time.

Olufemi Opeoluwa's low drive finish turned the game on its head and sent the home fans into wild jubilation.

Insurance had to hold off a frightening 3SC attack to forestall the hosts from ending their unbeaten run with a comeback victory. 

Despite the 2-2 draw, the Benin Arsenals remain atop of Group A table with 17 points, 4 points clear of Enyimba in second position.

They will be playing host to Nasarawa United on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin while 3SC will travel to the home of Enyimba for their NPFL week eight engagement.