2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 18: Defending champions, Rangers Int'l FC, surrender maximum points to Shooting Stars SC

Posted : 24 December 2024

The highly anticipated old-rivals derby at ‘The Cathedral’ saw the end of the 10-match unbeaten run of the NPFL reigning champions, Rangers International FC, as the visitors, 3SC, ran away with the maximum points courtesy of an Ikouwem Utim’s 27th-minute strike from the edge of the box. This goal handed the Gbenga Ogunbote-tutored side a road win in a Match Day 18, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture.

The encounter, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, saw the Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu-tutored side take the battle to the visitors, with the duo of Godwin Obaje and Frank Uwumiro leading the attack. However, the backline of 3SC, anchored by Alex Aghahowa, stood their ground.

In the midfield, the visitors were more dominant, stringing passes that brought cheers from the fans who came for the match. In the 27th minute of the encounter, Ikouwem was allowed to drift past his markers to receive a pass from Musa Abdulrahman, which he struck on the turn, sending the visitors' bench into wild jubilation.

Ejike Ugochukwu had a half-chance to draw Rangers level just two minutes later after being fed by Kenechukwu Agu, but the visitors defended in numbers.

At the start of the second period, a double substitution was made by the bench of the reigning champions, introducing Kazeem Ogunleye and Silas Nenrot. It was an instant swing of the pendulum as the visitors sat deep to defend all that was thrown at them.

The introduction of Kingsley Maduforo and Chiedozie Okorie as the match crept past the hour mark further increased the opportunities for a leveller, which came in the form of a penalty kick awarded by the referee after right-back Effimi Nsi was hacked down inside the box in the 82nd minute. However, the resultant kick was blazed over the bar by Ikenna Stephen. The packed stadium rued the missed opportunity while the visiting crew celebrated.

Rangers dropped to 4th spot on the log with the loss and will travel to face Niger Tornadoes in the last match of the first round on December 29, 2024, at the Bako Kotangora Stadium, Minna, Niger State.

Chief coach of Rangers, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, commented on the outcome of the match, saying, “It was a very sad one today. It was a very bad game for us, but that is football. Sometimes it happens, and our carelessness gave away the goal. But we have to put the result behind us and march forward as we still have more games to play this season.”

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 18: Defending champions, Rangers Int'l FC, surrender maximum points to Shooting Stars SC

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics