Coal City Pre-season Tournament: Rangers Int'l FC defeats Enyimba International FC again

Posted : 03 August 2024

An Agu Kenechukwu left-footed shot taken inside the box off Okorie Chiedozie’s intelligent cut-back, as he ran onto Isaac Saviour’s defense-splitting pass in the 51st minute of play, turned out to be the match-winner for the reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C., as they edged past their oriental rivals, Enyimba, in the opening match of the 042 Coal City International Cup preseason tournament.

‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, was the perfect setting for this epic soccer showdown as the two most decorated clubs in the country battled for bragging rights on a cold Thursday night in Coal City.

Chiedozie Okorie was at his best and a handful for the backline of the Aba boys but was not lucky enough to hit the bullseye when opportunities came his way, such as in the 6th minute when he was set up by the diminutive Isaac Saviour.

The ‘Aba Elephants’ reacted well to this early threat, pouring forward in numbers and creating chances of their own. However, Rangers’ shot stopper, Japhet Opubo, was at his best to deny a Joseph Atule’ screamer in the 12th minute, while Ufere Chinedu’s effort in the 23rd minute was ruled out for offside after being 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 defense for Rangers, while regulars like Super Eagles player Kenneth Igboke and Joel Odoh played as wing-backs. Ejike Ugochukwu was assigned his defensive midfield role in a 4-3-3 formation, with former Heartland hitman Okafor Onyekachi leading the attack upfront.

At the end of the encounter, Coach Ilechukwu said, “It was a very good game and a difficult test for my boys. We did well to contain our opponents and scored the only goal of the match, which is very important. Enyimba showed great effort today, but we were fortunate to have won. We continue our rebuilding process leading up to the CAF Champions League. I commend my boys for standing tall in this preseason encounter.”

Rangers will play Sierra Leonean side F.C. Kallon on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in another night fixture at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Coal City Pre-season Tournament: Rangers Int'l FC defeats Enyimba International FC again

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