Heartland FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Week 24 fixtures at Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri, on Sunday thanks to a last-gasp penalty by John Bassey.
The goal from Chukwuma Agor had given the Naze Millionaires an early lead in the 30th minute, but the visitors clawed back into the game when Adam Mustapha converted a penalty in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finale. However, just when it seemed Shooting Stars had done enough to snatch a point, Heartland was awarded a late penalty for an infringement inside the box. Bassey stepped up and made no mistake from the spot in the 88th minute, sealing all three points for the home side
The victory not only avenges Heartland 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars in Ibadan earlier this season but also lifts them from 14th to 12th position on the league table with 32 points from 24 matches.
Amuneke’s men have now won three of their last five matches, increasing their hopes of a strong finish in the league.
Heartland’s Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, praised his players after the match for executing his tactical instructions.
We are happy to beat Shooting Stars today, but they are not a team to be taken lightly. We worked hard for this victory. our focus now is our next fixture as we aim to climb further up the table and secure a respectable finish in the NPFL.