By Osondu Ngude
Rangers international of Enugu failed to follow up on their win in their rescheduled MatchDay 19 game against Enyimba as this time went down 0-1 to visiting Rivers United.
The Pride of Rivers held on to a 7th minute goal from former Rangers vice captain Godwin Aguda to complete a season’s double against the Flying Antelopes.
Rangers, 2016 league winners failed to make possession count as they were simple uncoordinated, looked heavy and unable to string passes together.
A simple tap in from Godwin Aguda with only the net to beat after Rangers goal keeper Mutawakilu was displaced and his defense line left the player unmarked ended the first half in Rivers favour.
At the resumption of the second half, Rangers continued from where they left it pilling more pressure for an equalizer but a determined Rivers defence marshaled by Ifeanyi Anaemena kept there cool.
The introduction of Ifeanyi Ogbuke, Vandega, Ibrahim Olawoyi, Kenechukwu Agu brought some fighting spirit to the 7 times champions squad but near misses was the order of the day for them.
Vandega, Christian Nnaji, Governor were the most undone as they failed to convert chances with the game ending 0-1 in favour of Rivers United.
Technical adviser of Rivers United Stanley Eguma in a chat after the game maintained that they remain focused on winning this seasons league shield.
“We are determined and focused on winning this seasons league trophy because we have prepared so well for this second stanza having beefed up the team with very good players with a lot of experience” he said.
He expressed happiness beating Rangers home and away this seasons, “when you play a team like Rangers and win you know that you have done well and winning a double over them you are happy”. He maintained.
For Salisu Yusuf of Rangers ” it was a difficult game for my team, I feel my boys were over confident, having won the game against Enyimba last weekend they thought it was going to be an easy stroll in the park but it was not to be”. He said
Salisu insisted that it is not yet over for the season knowing that they are capable of getting a win away against Akwa United on MatchDay 22.
