Rangers got off to the best possible start when debutant Fortune Omoniwari scored on ten minutes but the unruffled Warriors equalized through new signing Emeka Isaac midway through the first half before Godwin Zaki sealed the points with a well taken penalty 18 minutes from time.
Rangers were without last season’s talisman, Chisom Egbuchulam who is still caught in the web of a likely transfer abroad and the Flying Antelopes named former Sharks starlet Omoniwari as the only new face in the starting lineup from last season’s conquest.
Warriors who were led by former Rangers gaffer Okey Emordi had a number of new faces in their squad including Rangers product Emeka Isaac and former Lobi Stars goalkeeper Agbor Ekoi.
After initial lethargy, the game witnessed by about 8,000 spectators at The Cathedral sprung to life when former Sharks FC wingback Chidiebere Okolie saw space down the left and crossed to Omoniwari whose glancing header was superbly saved by Ekoi. Unfortunately for the Warriors goalkeeper, Omoniwari was on hand to tap home the rebound as the visiting defenders looked on.
Rangers continued to exhibit their free flowing stuff that saw them land the title deservedly last season and seemed to be cruising until Warriors equalized out of the blues. Pape Ousmane had done superbly well to cut out Godwin Zaki’s pass for a corner but from the ensuing corner kick, Sherif Bashir passed to Isaac who was lurking outside the box. The former Ifeanyiubah midfielder took a one-time effort from 25 yards which was deflected beyond Nana Bonsu in Rangers’ goal.
Rangers picked up the initiative once again and Warriors goalkeeper Ekoi pulled off a smart point-blank save on the 33rd minute to deny Obinna Nwobodo who was freed by Okolie before the former Lobi Stars goalkeeper somehow managed to avoid a sending off late in the half for a deliberate handball outside the box.
Second half
Warriors remained organized after the break and threatened Rangers’ back line on the break. With five minutes played in the half, Sherif Bashir almost gave the visitors a shock lead but his curling effort after Chibuzor Madu had blocked Zaki’s effort flew inches wide.
Rangers coach, Imama Amapakabo threw in former Enyimba winger Daniel Etor for Omoniwari on the hour mark and the home fans thought Etor had done enough to deserve a penalty after falling under pressure from Ozor Chinedu but referee Hadiza Musa thought otherwise.
Minutes later, the moment of the game came after another break by Warriors. Substitute Ahmed Yacoub sprinted down the left and attempted a cross for Zaki which was handled by Rangers captain, Chibuzor Madu. Zaki kept his composure and sent Bonsu the wrong direction from 12 yards.
What would’ve been an icing on the cake for Warriors was disallowed ten minutes from time when Zaki was adjudged offside before stabbing home Yacoub’s cross. Rangers piled up the pressure from then on, looking for an unlikely equalizer. They knew it was not their day when Bobby Clement fired over from 6 yards after a superb run by Osas Okoro.
The champions were brought back to life at the first time of asking, leaving their fans who had somewhat gotten used to The Cathedral being a slaughter slab stunned, bewildered and aggrieved.
Up next for Rangers is a midweek trip to Nasarawa United while Abia Warriors host newly promoted Katsina United in Umuahia.
LINE-UPS
Rangers: 25. Nana Bonsu 7. Osas Okoro 26. Chidiebere Okolie 13. Christian Madu 12. Chibuzor Madu 5. Pape Ousmane 20. Tope Olusesi (Chiamaka Madu 75′) 23. Bobby Clement 16. Fortune Omoniwari (Etor Daniel 61′) 19. Godwin Aguda 6. Obinna Nwobodo (Ocheme Edoh 82′)
Unused subs: 30. Itodo Akor 22. Orji Kalu 14. Chizoba Amaefule 10. Daniel Etor 18. Abdulafeez Awakan 28. Chiamaka Madu
GOAL: Fortune Omoniwari 10′
BOOKED: Obinna Nwobodo 44′
Abia Warriors: 35. Agbor Ekoi 5. Chinedu Ozor 14. Ogbonnaya Okemmiri 18. Emeka Isaac 16. Austin Obaroakpo 6. Abiodun Adebayo 21. Obi Samson (Anthony Okemmiri 61′) 17. Jonathan Osondu 7. Godwin Zaki 31. Shedrack Asiegbu 25. Sherif Bashir (Ahmed Yacoub 50′)
Unused subs: 22. Chinedu Anozie 15. Mohammed Garba 30. Chinedu Efugh 32. Moses Omodumuoke 4. Chima Uluocha
GOALS: Emeka Isaac 22′ Godwin Zaki 72′ (p)
BOOKED: Ogbonna Okemmiri 13′ Ozor Chinedu 69′
Leave a Reply