Sunshine held at home in Confed Cup

Nigerian side, Sunshine Stars failed to win at home for the first time in this year’s edition of the Orange Caf Confederation Cup.

Gbenga Ogunbote’s men had to fight back from a goal down to secure a 1 – 1 draw against Morocco’s Maghreb AS de Fez at the Gateway International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday.

The Moroccans showed why they are leaders of Group B in the second tier of Africa’s club competition this term when they held Sunshine Stars to a goalless draw in the first half.

Maghreb AS de Fez looked better organised than the Orange Caf Confederation Cup debutants and went into the lead eight minutes into the restart.

Despite the sending off of Maghreb AS de Fez head coach, Taoussi Rachid, the Moroccans held on to their lead tightly.

Rachid was sent off for angrily kicking a water bottle into the pitch in protest of a decision by the centre referee against his side.

And just above the hour-mark, Sunshine Stars were awarded a penalty after attacking midfielder Ibrahim Ajani was fouled in the box by the goalkeeper of Maghreb AS de Fez.

But striker Dele Olorundare missed from the 18 yards and Sunshine Stars were left to continue their chase for an equaliser.

However, late into the game, Ajani saved Sunshine Stars the blushes when he scored the equaliser to deny Maghreb AS de Fez their first away in the Orange Caf Confederation Cup.

It is the first time that Sunshine Stars will drop points in 19 home games in all competitions this season.

Sunshine Stars have now dropped to third position in Group B of the Caf Confederation Cup with seven points while Maghreb AS de Fez and DC Motema Pembe are first and second respectively.

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) side still have to face DC Motema Pembe on the road on September 11 before playing host to JS Kabylie on September 17 to determine if they will reach the semis.