Rangers International of Enugu return to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League, courtesy of a hard fought 1-1 draw away to Enyimba FC of Aba, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt Yesterday.
The champions drew first blood at the stroke of half time through Chukwude Stephen, before the Flying Antelopes levelled terms seconds later through Godwin Aguda, to cap a memorable first half, amidst a tensed atmosphere.
Enyimba were without Mfon Udoh and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, but handed starting berths to Sikiru Kamal and Peter Onyekachi. The visitors opted for Akor Itodo in goal, ahead of Nana Bonsou. Rangers defender, Okey Odita, failed to make the cut.
Abu Azeez was close to giving Enyimba the lead after the quarter hour mark, but his effort was swiftly gathered by Akor Itodo. Azeez’s inch perfect cross in the 22nd minute, eluded an advancing, Onyekachi Peter, who failed to square home from six yards.
Enyimba edged close to taking the lead in the 40th minute, when Joseph Osadiaye’s goal bound header, off Chukwude’s corner was deflected by Kalu Orji. Azeez further tested Itodo from close range in the 43rd minute.
The Aba club got the better of Rangers defence at the stroke of half time, when Chukwude was sent clear by Kester Kelly. The striker turned beautifully and struck home from 12 yards.
Seconds later, Aguda gave Imama Amapakabo’s side a much deserved equalizer, when he got to the end of Bobby Clement’s telling pass, to wrap up an engaging first half.
Enyimba got the second half underway on a promising note, as Osadiaye, Azeez and Chukwude made a couple of advances on the opposition’s defence. But the visitors nearly stunned the home fans after the hour mark, when Chisom Egbuchulam’s effort rattled Theophilus Afelokhai.
Onyekachi spurned off a glorious opportunity, that would have put his side back in front, when he blazed above the woodwork within 12 yards in the 69th minute.
Afelokhai’s finger tip save, off Egbuchulam’s well-struck free kick in the 77th minute denied Rangers what would have been a famous win. The former Kano Pillars goalkeeper was also forced into late saves by Bobby and Egbuchulam, to earn his side a point.
With the result, Rangers move to top of the log, one point clear of Wikki Tourists, who lost 3-0 to Akwa United in Uyo. Enyimba slip to sixth, with 41 points, seven adrift of Rangers, with two games in hand.
credit: npfl
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