Heartland stretched their unbeaten run to four matches as Pascal Eze’s first-half header in the 16th minute proved pivotal in their share of the spoils against Sunshine Stars in one of the Matchday 11 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Ondo Sports Complex Stadium, Akure on Sunday.
The Naze Millionaires took the lead thro ugh Chidera Eze’s cross from the corner flank that was headed home by assistant Captain, Eze for his second goal of the season.
The Owena Whales equalised in the 71st minute from the penalty spot after the centre referee adjudged that Samuel Agba’s shot in Heartland goal area struck the hand of Heartland’s hardworking midfielder, Jimoh Gbadamosi In the 18 yards box. League’s leading scorer Sadeeq Yusuf converted from the spot in what was his 8th goal of the season to even the scores for Gbenga Ogunbote’s men.
Heartland Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu told journalists after the game that his four matches unbeaten run is down to his players’ tactical discipline and determination.
“Tactical discipline. When you have players that are disciplined, that understand what it takes to win games. If you look at today’s game, we won this game because of determination,” Ilechukwu said.
“My boys gave everything they have in this game, and going forward most important thing is to forget about today’s game and look forward to Wednesday game against Dakkada, to make sure that we win that game”
Heartland will play host to Dakkada FC on Wednesday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri in the next league’s Matchday.
