The “Flying Antelopes,” Rangers International FC, forced the “Owena Whales,” Sunshine Stars FC, to a 2-2 draw in an encounter played at the Akure Sports Complex on Sunday.
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They were awarded a share of points after a late goal by a substitute, Jonas Emmanuel, on two of the four added minutes of the 2023/2024 NPFL match day 8 fixtures.
The boys did not let the visiting delegation down. Godwin Obaje, a previous league top scorer, gave the Coal City team an early lead with a well-taken free-kick after Isaac Saviour had fouled Kenneth Igboke in the fourth minute while under pressure from the lanky Ekerette Udom.
The goal silenced the half-full Akure Township stadium, but it spurred coach Edith Agoye’s wards to action as they pushed for an early equalizer that failed to materialize.
The visitors’ backline was ably anchored by Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and David Chimezie. On minutes 11 and 13, Ibrahim Yusuf pulled the home team level after going unmarked and blasting an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Japhet Opubo. The “Owena Whales” supporters once again raised their voices.
Both sides retired for the first half on an even note and on resumption of the second stanza, the home side pushed for the winning goal as they dominated the middle of the pack but Ejike Ugochukwu, Chukwudi Nwaodu, Isaac Saviour, Joel Odoh, and Kenneth Igboke joined others to put up stiff resistance until the 81st minute when Moses Omodumueke’ teasing shot found its way past a badly positioned Opubo to put the home side in front.
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Heading into the last ten minutes the fans went wild in celebrations that were cut short with only two minutes remaining in the match when Isaac Saviour found Odoh Joel on the right who ran down with the ball to deliver an inch-perfect cross that was stylishly side-footed into the net by Jonas Emmanuel as goalkeeper Mustafa Lawal was caught napping as the visitor’s bench went into wild jubilations.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said after the match, “It was a very difficult match against a quality side but as our slogan says, we never say die until the final whistle and I give my players kudos as we keep working on the areas of deficiency.
My defense gave away cheap goals but we keep working until we get it right.”
With the win, Rangers maintain the third spot of the twenty-team log with 14 points from eight matches and will next play Katsina United on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Awka City stadium.
