By NORBERT OKOLIE, Media/Communication Officer Rangers International F.C, Enugu.
Top Nigeria premiership side, Rangers International F.C dug deep into its reserves to subdue a very determined Ebonyi state’ N.S.F bound football team named ‘Akubaraoha Boys’ 2-1 in a practice match, Thursday, inside Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
Coach Salisu Yusuf gave the opportunity to all the players taken to the Ebonyi state capital for the weeklong close camping exercise and it was last season’s top scorer, Israel Abia that had the first opportunity to open the goals gate on 10 minutes but his curly shot missed the target by whiskers.
Newly acquired attacking sensation Femi Ajayi opened his goals account for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ on 36 minutes with a precise shot as he connected with Isaac Loute’s inch-perfect cross.
The lead lasted just three minutes as a defensive mix-up in the heart of the NPFL side’s defense, exposed the backline and Cyril Akubumadu wasted no time in drawing the armature side level.
The coach Martin Nkpume tutored the side upped their game and twice came close to taking the lead but goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo’ heroics between the sticks ensured the score stood on even note until the 85th minute when Dauda Madaki steeled his nerves to drive home from the spot after Daniel Vendaga was upended inside the box when through on goal.
Coach Nkpume of the Ebonyi boys described the match as a very good one that has given his players more confidence going to the National Sports Festival, Edo-2020.
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