Shooting Stars produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 13 encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Friday.
After a largely uneventful first half, the contest burst into life in the closing stages, with all three goals arriving within the final minutes as the Oluyole Warriors secured a valuable home victory.
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Olakunle Akala capitalised on a loose ball before unleashing a long-range effort to put Shooting Stars ahead.
The hosts intensified their attacking pressure and appeared to have sealed the victory when Qamar Adegoke doubled their advantage in the 90+2nd minute.
However, Bendel Insurance responded almost immediately, with Alex Oweilayefa finding the net in added time to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.
The visitors pushed for a late equaliser, but Shooting Stars held on to secure all three points in front of their home supporters.
The victory represents an important response from the Ibadan side following their Matchday 12 away defeat to Barau FC.
Shooting Stars move from 13th to seventh position on the NPFL table with 18 points from 13 matches, drawing level on points with sixth-placed Rivers United.
For Bendel Insurance, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to strengthen their title credentials.
The Benin Arsenal remain second with 21 points from 13 matches, three points behind leaders Rangers International, who have two games in hand.
Shooting Stars will now turn their attention to a difficult away fixture against league leaders Rangers International in Enugu on November 22, while Bendel Insurance will seek an immediate response as the NPFL campaign gathers momentum.
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