"We Paid the Price for Failing to Manage Our Lead" - Ogunbote Laments After 3SC Draw

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Technical Adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, has expressed his disappointment after his team failed to secure maximum points against El-Kanemi Warriors. The Oluyole Warriors were held to a 2-2 draw in a matchday 31 fixture at the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Maiduguri, despite taking a two-goal lead earlier in the game.

In his post-match interview, Ogunbote did not hold back his frustration, admitting that his team should have managed the game better. "We give glory to God for the one point secured on the road, but as far as I am concerned, this is two points lost for the team," he stated. The experienced coach, popularly known as "The Oracle," emphasized that the team paid a heavy price for their inability to maintain their advantage.

Reflecting on the disappointing result, Ogunbote highlighted the critical moments that saw his side relinquish their commanding lead. "We didn’t manage the lead, we surrendered it, definitely, and we paid a big price for it," he said. The gaffer acknowledged that his players needed to show more composure and resilience when in control of matches.

When asked whether the harsh weather conditions in Maiduguri played a part in his team's performance, Ogunbote dismissed the notion. "Well, if you want to talk about the weather, the second half was a bit better. It wasn’t as a result of the weather, but we were just unable to manage the lead," he explained.

The draw leaves 3SC in a precarious position as they continue their quest for a favorable finish in the league. With just seven games left to play, Ogunbote remains hopeful that his team can still achieve their seasonal objectives. "We have seven games to determine the dream, so let's see what we will get out of it," he remarked, expressing cautious optimism.

Supporters of the Oluyole Warriors have expressed mixed reactions to the result, with some lamenting the team’s inability to secure all three points while others appreciated the effort put in to salvage a point away from home. The result means that 3SC must now look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures to avoid slipping further down the table.

Despite the setback, Ogunbote's side can take some positives from the game, particularly the attacking display that saw them score twice on hostile territory. However, the coach will undoubtedly be keen to address the defensive lapses that allowed the hosts to draw level.

The technical crew will be tasked with ensuring that such mistakes are minimized in the crucial remaining matches. Ogunbote's wealth of experience will be vital in guiding his squad through the challenging run-in as they aim to finish the season on a high note.

Next up for Shooting Stars is another tough test as they look to regain their form and secure a much-needed victory. The team must now focus on correcting their errors and building on their attacking prowess while shoring up their defensive organization.

As the league season heads toward its climax, Ogunbote and his players will undoubtedly feel the pressure to deliver results that align with the club's ambitions. Fans will be hoping that the lessons learned from this draw will inspire the team to put on more disciplined performances in their remaining fixtures.