Lobi Stars’ leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League standings could be over at the weekend given the determination of Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu to claim their scalp.
The Flying Antelopes earned a point at Kano Pillars on Wednesday without six of their regular players, whom Ilechukwu hopes will spearhead their assault on the visitors in Sunday’s matchday 26 fixture at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
“It was a great game we had today and could have easily won against a great side with a very respectable tactician, but for some poor finishing. We came here with over six of my regulars left back at home to help them recover from the stress of accumulating games. We hope to build on this result in our next game at home against league leaders Lobi Stars to keep hope alive for a positive finish to the season,” Ilechukwu told Rangers Media in a post-match press conference at Sani Abacha Stadium.
The encounter, which was watched by an appreciable number of spectators inside the magnificent facility in Kofarmata, Kano, saw Rangers dominate proceedings from the start of hostilities and would have been a goal up as early as the 11th minute, but for the heroics of goalkeeper Galadima Muhammed, whose reflexes prevented Zulkifilu Rabiu’s drilled shot from inside the box after he was set up by Naziru Auwalu.
Chiemezie Okorie was also set free on goal in 17 minutes, but Galadima kept his cool to produce another great save as the visitors piled more pressure in search of the opener.
Against the run of play, a slip in the middle of the pitch by a Rangers midfielder provided the host with their real threat upfront, and Sani Mubarak was calm enough to stab home a rebound 27 minutes after goalkeeper Japhet Opubo had made a save to deny his first attempt.
Stunned as they were, the Coal City boys kept their cool as they continued to push for an early equaliser, which failed to materialise despite Naziru Auwalu’s well-taken freekick on 40 minutes, which beat the keeper but crashed on the crossbar.
In the second half, a quick counter-attack saw Chinemerem Ugwueze run clear of the defence line of the host to fire past an exposed Galadima for the much-sought leveller on 52 minutes, much to the relief of the visiting bench and a handful of supporters that came out to cheer the visitors.
Rangers now occupy the third spot on the 20-team log with 42 points from 25 matches behind the duo of Lobi Stars and Plateau United, who are on 46 and 44 points, respectively.
A win for Rangers at the Cathedral on Sunday will see Lobi relinquish the top spot to Plateau United if the latter secures a win over hosts Katsina United at
Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Match Day 25 Results
13-03-2024
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SOURCE: GLOBALSPORTS