Rangers International Football Club of Enugu yesterday (Sunday, November 17) defeated Bendel Insurance FC of Benin by 3-2 in a Matchday 12 of the Nigerian Premier Football League.(NPFL)in Enugu.
The highly entertaining match played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, saw the two teams starting the encounter on high note with desperate efforts to take the lead.
However, it was the league defending champions that drew the first blood in the 25th minute when veteran striker, Godwin Obaje scored through a goal mouth scramble.
The goal energised the flying Antelopes as they seized the opportunity and dominated proceedings.
Their dominance paid off in the 30th minute when Frank Uwumiro received a through pass from Kazeem Ogunlewe to power home a shot that left the insurance goalkeeper helpless.
The goal gave the hosts a 2-0 lead thus ensuring that Rangers led at half time.
On resumption of the second half, Rangers continued their dominance and in the 55th minute enterprising midfielder Kazeem Ogunlewe’s pass to Efimi Nsu to make it 3-0.
However, the visitors pulled one back in the 67th minute to restore hope to the visiting fans.
The visitors got their second in the 85th minute to shock the Rangers fans to end the match with a respectable 3-2.
Speaking after the match, the stand-in coach of Rangers FC Eke Ekenedilichukwu commended the players for their gallant display.
“I am proud of the boys, ” he said.
Monday Odigie, Coach of Bendel Insurance said his players did their best, adding that they take every match as they come.(NAN)
