Sharon Ekhiwere
Rangers International FC of Enugu on Thursday in Enugu defeated oriental rivals Enyimba International FC 1-0 in the opening match of the Coal City International Cup preseason tournament, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
An Agu Kenechukwu’s left-footed shot taken inside the penalty area off Okorie Chiedozie’s intelligent cut-back as he ran unto Isaac Saviour’s defence-splitting pass in the 51st minute of play turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu (The Cathedral).
Chiedozie Okorie was at his entire element and a handful for the backline of the Aba boys but was not too lucky with hitting the bullseye when the opportunities came his way in the 6th minute when he was set up by Isaac Saviour.
The ‘Aba Elephants’ reacted well to this early threat as they poured forward in their numbers, creating chances of their own but Rangers shot stopper, Japhet Opubo was at his best to beat out a Joseph Atule’ screamer in the 12th minute while Ufere Chinedu’ effort in 23rd minute was ruled out for offside after he was set up by Uwana Asuquo.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu handed starts to new boy and former Enyimba defender, Macben Otika who paired with Charles Okafor in the heart of the defence for Rangers while regular suspects like Super Eagles player, Kenneth Igboke and Joel Odoh held sway as wing-backs with Ejike Ugochukwu saddled with his defensive midfield role in a 4-3-3 formation with former Heartland’ hitman, Okafor Onyekachi leading the assault upfront.
At the end of the encounter, Coach Ilechukwu said, “It was a very good game and a difficult test for my boys, but we did well to contain our opponent and scored the only goal of the match, which is very important. Enyimba showed great stuff today but we were very lucky to have won. We continue our rebuilding process leading up to the CAF Champions League and I commend my boys for standing out tall in this preseason encounter.”
Rangers will play Sierra Leone side, F.C Kallon on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in another night fixture inside Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Credit: Norbert Okolie