2024 Coal City Pre-season Tournament: Rangers International FC shares spoil with Kallon

Posted : 05 August 2024

Rangers International F.C., the reigning Nigeria League champions, were held to a 1-1 draw by Sierra Leone side F.C. Kallon in the second match of the 042 Coal City International Cup preseason tournament on a cold night at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Garando Tekena gave the ‘Flying Antelopes’ a 10th-minute lead with a fierce left-footed shot from about twenty-five meters, following a brave save by Isaac Caulker, the goalkeeper for F.C. Kallon, who had initially stopped Tekena’s free kick attempt.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu lined up six new players for the encounter, giving starts to Evans Ogbonda, Effimi Nsi, Hillary Ekawu, Bashir Usman, Lucky Abdullahi, and Garando Tekena. They blended well with the established stars to repel the constant attacks from the team coached by former Sierra Leone captain Mohamed Kallon, with Saidu Fofanah leading the squad.

Rangers had opportunities to score more goals before the end of the first half, while F.C. Kallon also created chances but failed to convert them.

Momoh Dumbuya equalized for his side with a swift counter-attack, as Fofanah slid the ball past a hesitant ‘Flying Antelopes’ defense, allowing Dumbuya to slide past the rushing Lucky Abdullahi, who was in goal for Rangers, in the 50th minute.

The introduction of Williams Wonah, Edeh Kelechi, Kenechukwu Agu, Obinna Idika, and Anayor Ogbonna by Coach Ilechukwu ensured that the Coal City side pushed for the winning goal. However, their efforts were thwarted by Caulker’s outstanding saves, as he punched, blocked, and parried all attempts as the referee called an end to the match.

In his post-match comments, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said, “It was not a bad game for either side. F.C. Kallon was a very physical team, but we showed good character, especially in the second half. Having many new players in the team and their understanding is what matters to me.

“Our fans should not panic about the result because it is a preseason game.

“If we don’t use the preseason to assess the team’s cohesion, technical, and tactical abilities, it may not be possible during the proper season.

“I assure our fans that we will achieve all we want in the season because we have what it takes to do so.”

Rangers will face Remo Stars in one of the semi-final matches scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2024, after Shooting Stars Sports Club plays F.C. Kallon in the first semi-final of the preseason tournament.

2024 Coal City Pre-season Tournament: Rangers International FC shares spoil with Kallon

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