Sunshine to keep shining
by George Akpayen 19 August 2012, 16:43
Sunshine Stars' first-choice goalkeeper, Moses Ocheje, is "very confident" that his team will reach the semifinals of the Caf Champions League.
"I'm very confident that we will qualify for the semifinals of the Caf Champions League," said the Nigerian international to SuperSport.com on Sunday.
Ocheje's confidence stems from his side's 2-1 over Algeria's ASO Chlef at the Stade Mohamed Boumezrag in Chlef on Friday.
Cameroonian midfielder, Tamen Medrano put the Nigerian club ahead before the break.
Anicet Eyenga put ASO Chlef on even term three minutes into the restart before leggy forward, Ukeyima Akombo scored the winner for Sunshine Stars with 14 minutes to time.
The former Lobi Stars' goalkeeper believes that the Akure Gunners have turned the corner after their Matchday 1 setback when they lost 0-2 at home to defending champions, Esperance.
"There's renewed confidence in the team again. Remember we didn't start well and we have bounced back to battle our way back into contention for a semifinal place. We drew at Etoile du Sahel, came home to beat ASO Chlef and now we defeat them (Chlef) again at their home ground. It shows we've shaken off our bad start," the Sunshine Stars' custodian said happily.
On September 2, Sunshine Stars will make one last trip up north of Africa in the group stage to confront Esperance on Matchday 5 at the Stade Olympique de Rades in Tunis.
Ocheje now views the tie in Tunis against the highly-rated Esperance as a grudge game.
The Super Eagles' goalkeeper said he has "a score to settle" with the Tunisian club after their Day 1 loss in Ijebu-Ode to them.
"You know that football is all about determination and creating your own luck through goal-scoring chances. But for me, I have a score to settle with them. We lost in the first game and now I'm confident we can go to Tunis and get a result," he said.
Sunshine Stars kept their second place in their group on seven points after Esperance defeated Etoile du Sahel 2-0 at the Stade Olympique de Sousse on Saturday.
The Nigerian club have opened up a three-point gap on third-placed Etoile and only need to avoid defeat at Esperance to keep their semis hope alive.
