Plateau United suffered a heartbreaking 1–0 defeat to Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Sunday, conceding deep into stoppage time after a disciplined and determined performance at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex.
The Peace Boys began brightly, showing composure in possession and strong defensive organisation. With goalkeeper Domnan Panse starting in place of the ill Amah John, Plateau United looked assured at the back. Wisdom Ndon and Joshua Dabo marshalled the defence effectively, cutting out early threats from the hosts.
Going forward, the visitors created several openings in the first half. Maren Kefas came close in the 15th minute, firing just over the bar, while Gideon Monday’s persistence down the left earned multiple set-piece chances. However, Mustapha Abdullahi’s deliveries from dead balls couldn’t find the breakthrough despite sustained pressure from the Peace Boys.
After the break, both sides increased the tempo. Wisdom Ndon produced a vital tackle in the box to deny a clear chance, and at the other end, Gideon’s close-range shot was blocked before Kefas earned a dangerous free kick that Mustapha struck into the wall.
Domnan Panse remained sharp throughout, producing key saves around the hour mark as 3SC pushed forward. Head Coach Shola Adegun made a triple substitution in the 62nd minute, introducing Kalu Samuel, Chinemerem Ugwueze, and Dashang Friday for Maren Kefas, Damala Promise, and Sulaimon Mojereola. The changes injected fresh energy, and nearly brought a breakthrough. Kalu’s cross forced a save before Chinemerem’s pass to Gideon earned a corner that skimmed the side netting.
Plateau United continued to battle bravely, but an injury to Wisdom Ndon late in the game forced another reshuffle as Jonathan Okechukwu replaced him in defence. Mubarak Usman also came on for Gift Osadebe as the visitors held firm, hoping to steal a late winner.
However, just seconds before the final whistle, Shooting Stars found the breakthrough. Ismail Ayodele pounced in the 90+5 minute, finishing from close range after a swift counterattack. Despite late pushes from Gideon and Chinemerem, Plateau United couldn’t find an equaliser.
It was a tough result to take after a strong, organised display , one where the Peace Boys matched their hosts for long spells but were undone by a late moment of heartbreak.
Plateau United will now turn their attention to their next assignment, a home fixture against Barau FC in Jos on Sunday where they aim to bounce back and return to winning ways in front of their fans.