Amuneke Blames Defensive Errors as Heartland Fall 3–1 to Sunshine Stars

|By Babatunji Wusu

Heartland head coach Emmanuel Amuneke has blamed costly defensive mistakes for his side’s 3–1 defeat to Sunshine Stars in their Matchday Five encounter at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

The Naze Millionaires struck first through Chukwuma Udoma, but Sunshine Stars roared back as Bismak Adebayo, Gabriel Adepoju, and Opeoluwa Olufemi powered the home side to a convincing win.

Amuneke admitted that his players handed Sunshine Stars the advantage with avoidable errors, especially in the second half.

“We went ahead, but unfortunately we conceded goals from mistakes that allowed Sunshine Stars to score two second-half goals,” he said.

He also praised Sunshine Stars’ hunger and work rate, noting that the hosts earned their victory.

“You cannot take away the efforts of the Sunshine team. They fought, they wanted it, and in football, if you want success, you go for it — and that’s exactly what they did. We have to congratulate them.”