Niger Tornadoes were bested by their hosts Rangers Int’l FC in a high-octane encounter at the Awka Township Stadium as the Ikon Allah Boys’ late rally could not fetch them a road point.
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Joel Odoh’s 19th-minute controversial goal stood even though goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo looked to have punched the ball out of danger, but the AR2 thought otherwise, as he claimed the ball had crossed the line and the referee awarded the goal.
Tornadoes responded well after the goal as they piled pressure on the hosts in search of an equalizer.
The Ikon Allah Boys were however caught off guard just a few minutes before halftime as Ranger’s fast counter-attacking move left experienced striker Godwin Obaje alone in the box and tapped home from a close range to give his team a cushion into the break.
The second half resumed and the Ikon Allah Boys looked more determined as they took over the initiative of the game, pressure however paid off for the visitors when Bashir Usman fired a bullet shot into the net in the time at 54th minute, to reduce the deficit.
Niger Tornadoes technical bench effected some changes midway way through the half when the likes of Clinton Jephta, Abiodun Adebayo, and Samuel Adeniyi were introduced, all in a bid to level things up, but to no avail, as the hosts secured their second home win of the season.
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In his post-match reaction, Hamza Abarah commended the spirited performance of his boys.
“The early goal we conceded was demoralizing, but we were able to come back in the second half stronger.
“Of course, me and Fidelis know each other inside out and that reflected on the game just like you all saw, he knew me and I also know him and that’s why the game was balanced.”
On his next game, Hamza said, he will take the games as they come.
SUBS:
59′
➡️Samuel Adeniyi
⬅️Musa Najere
➡️Clinton Jephta
⬅️Sadiq Isyaka
➡️Abiodun Adebayo
⬅️Silvester Bell
67′
➡️ Mohammed Hussaini
⬅️ Moses Ugwu
85′
➡️ Aliyu-Manuga Farouk
⬅️ Bashir Usman
UNUSED:
30 Aliko Mustapha
3 Samuel Tswanya
13 Sadiq Razak
22 Innocent John Awori
CAUTION:
35′ Ifeanyi Okoye
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