Rangers International F.C continued their fine form since the start of the second stanza of the NPFL 2023/2024 season with a deserved 1-1 draw in Kano as the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side picked a valuable point off the immediate past coach of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Coach Abdul Maikaba and his wards at Kano Pillars F.C in a M.D 25, fixture.
The encounter which was watched by an appreciable number of spectators inside the magnificent, Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, Kano, saw the Enugu side 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, who was between the sticks for the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ side that made a reflex save to stop Zulkifilu Rabiu’ drilled shot from inside the box after he was set up by Naziru Auwalu.
Chiemezie Okorie was also set free on goal on 17 minutes but Galadima kept his cool to produce another great save as the visitors piled more pressure in search for the opening goal of the encounter.
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 on 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 the continued to push for an early equalizer which failed to materialize despite Naziru Auwalu’ well taken freekick on 40 minutes which beat the keeper but crashed on the cross-bar.
In the second stanza, a quick counter-attack found Chinemerem Ugwueze run clear of the defense line of the host to fired past an over-exposed Galadima for the much sought leveler on 52 minutes to the relief of the visiting bench and a handful of supporters that came out to cheer the visitors.
More opportunities came for Ugwueze, Nwaodu and substitute, Joel Odoh, on 58, 67 and 80. minutes but their efforts failed to find the back of the net just as Amobi Ezeaku came in for Nwaodu late into the encounter as his runs on and off the ball caused anxious moments for the home side.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu in a post-match chat said, “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 accumulated games. We hope to build on this result in our next game at home against league leaders, Lobi Stars to keep hope alive on a positive finish to the season.”
Rangers now occupy the third spot on the twenty team log with 42 points from twenty-five matches behind the duo of Lobi Stars and Plateau United who are on 46 and 44 points respectively and will be trading tackles with Lobi Stars on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
CREDIT: NORBERT OKOLIE M/O