A splendid 90th minute save from Rangers International F.C’s safe hands, Seidu Mutawakilu, ensured that the ‘Flying Antelopes’, earned a valuable goalless draw against the host, M.F.M International F.C in a matchday 26, NPFL 2021/2022 fixture inside Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Coach Abdul Maikaba kept faith with the team that earned a 3-0 win over Kwara United last week with the exception of Elijah Ani but the host showed enough courage to hold out all that was thrown at them from the visitors.
Tried as much as the attacking duo of Ossy Martins and Christian Nnaji did to break down the defensive lineup of the host led by Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Chukwudi Ekeocha, and Barry Lagbara, it was impossible as the ammunition failed to arrive from the middle of the pack.
Alabi Oladayo was a constant threat to Ranger’s backline anytime the ball came his way but Uche John and David Chimezie did well to contain his forays.
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The host upped their game as it was near the hour mark with over six corner kicks taken in quick successions but failed to find the back of the net from any of the dead-ball situations.
With the game nearing its full cycle, the host was gifted a lifeline as the arbiter awarded them a free-kick from the edge of the box after David Chimezie was adjudged to have fouled an opponent and when Alabi Oladayo stroked the ball past the defensive wall, many at the stadium had stood up to celebrate a goal but Ghanaian shot-stopper, Seidu Mutawakilu produced the save of the day to beat out the goal-bound effort to the relief of the traveling team and supporters and anguish for the home side’ bench and supporters.
At the end of the encounter, the technical adviser of Rangers, Coach Abdul Maikaba said, “It was a good result for us taking into consideration the fact that our opponents were desperate to get the points to help them get out of the relegation waters. At the same time, we needed the three points to make our aspirations this season, a reality. The field did not actually allow the good flow of football that we are known for. So, I am happy with the one point we got from this match.”
With the result, Rangers now occupy the 4th position on the log with 42 points from 26 matches behind the trio of Rivers United, Plateau United, and Remo Stars who are on 55, 51, and 43 points respectively from 26 matches and will next play, neighbors, Heartland F.C in a matchday 27 encounter on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Awka City Stadium.
RANGERS TEAM: Seidu Mutawakilu, Olawale Doyeni, Ifeanyi Nweke (Philip Clement -35th Min.), Kenechukwu Agu, Uche John, David Chimezie, Chidiebere Nwobodo, Shedrack Asiegbu, Ossy Martins (Chinonso Eziekwe -85th Min.), Christian Nnaji (Emeka Obiora -85th Min.), Chukwuebuka Okorie (Christian Madu – 72nd Min.). UNUSED SUBS: Bamidele Adeniyi, Saidu Adamu, Tofic Omar, Eso Achibong, Ebuka Anthony.
