Rangers Int’l get vital point from Akwa United

China Acheru

Visiting side Enugu Rangers surprised fans of Akwa United as they defended stoutly, maintained their discipline and grabbed a point at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

There were so many missed opportunities in the game, with the home fans thinking they would have an opener in the 3^rd minute as Chinwendu Ali went past his marker and had his shot hit the side netting.

Aside the missed opportunities in the game especially from the home team, Rangers, playing with a 3-5-2 formation where Israel Abia and Ifeagwu Ojukwu in the attack caused a lot of problems for Olisah Ndah and Dennis Nya. Abia could be said to be the tormentor in chief.

In the 26^th minute a powerful shot from Ifeanyi Eze should have given Akwa United a goal but Rangers keeper, Jahet Opubo made a lovely save to deny him.

Ndifreke Effiong thought he had scored in the 70^th minute as he met the cross from Chinwendu Ali but his header was punched by Japhet as he was bent on making sure Rangers did not concede in Uyo.

Akwa United coach, Kennedy Boboye said after the game they did not take their chances

“We didn’t take our chances today. I told the boys before the game that if we play well and do not take our chances then it doesn’t count.

“Game plans change at times. We played the ball on the ground but because of anxiety to score, the players changed to the long balls but the Rangers defenders were big and tall so it didn’t help us. We will go back and work on our mistakes,” Boboye said.

Assistant coach of Rangers, Mbwas Mangut said they came with a different approach.

“We came with a different approach but when the game started, we saw something different so we adjusted. Kudos to the boys for keeping their discipline.

“We played a 3-5-2. I do not agree we played with five defenders. The wing backs were up front as midfielders.

“This is one of the most difficult games we have played and I give my boys kudos,” Mbwas said.

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