By Jane Francess Nweze
Even with his side,cRangers International running out 2-0 winners over regional rivals, Enyimba, Coach Salisu Yusuf lamented about the fitness level of the Coal City players.
The win with the two goals coming in the second half from Christian Nnaji and first timer, Elijah Ani earned the Flying Antelopes the bragging rights in the long running Oriental Derby.
Yusuf, spoke after the match and acknowledged that Enyimba were more match fit that his team but would add that his players impressed him.
“You know it’s been long we played and they (Enyimba) have been playing. Match fitness wise, they are ahead of us and so they thought they were better than us. I think the boys did well. They put in a lot of effort to get those penalties”, remarked an obviously satisfied Yusuf.
His opposite number, Fatai Osho described the game as a nice one, stating that both teams came out to play.
“Both teams came out to play. We got our tactics right but we couldn’t convert our chances hence we were punished for it”, Osho told www.npfl.ng
Yusuf listed Charles Tiesso for the first time this season and returned his captain Tope Olusesi to the line up, while Enyimba’s Osho made a complete change to the starting 11 that drew 2-2 with FC IfeanyiUbah in Aba.
Osho gave Somiari Alalibo and Yakubu Bilal their debut after they joined Enyimba team mid-season.
Second half started with Rangers pressing for an opener and in the 53rd minute, Somiari Alalibo handled the ball in the box and the referee awarded the hosts a penalty. Christian Nnaji beat Sabirou Djeri Bassa in goal.
In the 82nd minute, Substitute Ani had a chance parried by Djeri Bassa but was rewarded in the 90th minute when Rangers were awarded a second penalty for Stephen Manyo’s hand ball. Ani slotted the penalty and took the game beyond the visitors.
