The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rangers international

  • Rangers, Warri Wolves secure important wins

    Rangers, Warri Wolves secure important wins

    Rangers International  and Warri Wolves both ended their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 21 outings on a winning note as the final fixtures of the round were concluded on yesterday.

    At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Rangers International produced a stunning performance to edge Kun Khalifat FC 2-1 in a fiercely contested Oriental derby. The visitors took the lead in the 44th  minute through Chidozie Iwundu but the home team equalised late in the game through James Ekebuike in the 87th  minute and looked set to escape with a draw.

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    However, Rangers showed character and resilience before sealing the win deep into stoppage time as Iwundu struck again in the 96th  minute to snatch a sensational victory for the visitors. The win moved Rangers up to fifth place on the standings with 33 points, while Kun Khalifat remain rooted to the bottom of the table on 18 points after another painful home defeat.

    Meanwhile, at the Southern University Stadium in Ozoro, Warri Wolves made full use of home advantage with a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United. After a goalless first half, the Seasiders came out stronger after the break and broke the deadlock in the 47th  minute through Igbunu Evwierhurhoma.

    Just four minutes later, Chisom Orji doubled the lead with a well-taken finish to seal the points for the hosts. The victory lifted Warri Wolves to eighth position with 30 points, while Katsina United dropped to 10th place on 29 points as the league campaign continues to gather momentum.

  • Conf Cup Play-offs: Rangers, Enyimba know foes Wednesday

     

    CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Rangers international will know their next opponents after making a success of their outing in the preliminary stage of the continental fiesta.

    The Flying Antelopes moved on into the play-off stage after edging out As Pelican of Gabon on 4-3 aggregate. The Coal city boys will be joined by their oriental brothers Enyimba who though crashed out of the CAF Champions League will be competing in the Confederation Cup play-offs.

    The 16 teams who qualified in the Confederation Cup will be joined by 16 teams who lost out in the Champions league in the play-offs.

    Enyimba set for Confederation cup play-offs

    A release from Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that the draw for both championships will hold at the Hilton Pyramids Resort, 6th October City just outside of Cairo on October 9.

    Each of the 16 qualified teams in the preliminary stage will be paired against one of the losers in the Champions league.

    Will the oracle pitch Rangers International against the Peoples Elephants?

    Will it pitch the Green Eagles of Zambia against Zanaco of Zambia or pitch Proline of Uganda against KCCA of Uganda or indeed will teams from the same country avoid each other.

    All this and more is in the mind of soccer fans across the continent as the clock ticks gradually to the D-Day, only time it is said will tell.

     

     

     

  • Confederation cup: Rangers earn vital away goal in Libreville

     

    Confederation cup campaigners Rangers international on Saturday in Libreville got a consolation goal that will no doubt be a plus ahead of the return leg tie against AS Pelican of Gabon.

    The Flying Antelopes lost 2-1 to AS Pelican but will now be hoping to turn the table in the return leg billed for 29th September at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium otherwise called ‘The Cathedral’

    AS Pelican had led by two goals in the first half, but a determined Rangers put up a good fight in the second half and the effort paid off when Nnamdi Egbujuo got the consolation goal.

    Rangers during their departure for Gabon

    Rangers prior to heading for Gabon did not only prepare on the pitch but also took time to under study new rules of the game having retired FIFA badge referee, C.C Chukwujekwu as the resource person.

    In the CAF Champions league Enyimba will file out against Al Hilal Sunday in Omdurman.

    Should the Peoples Elephants get a good result in Sudan, they would have laid the foundation  ahead of the return leg at the Aba Stadium on September 29th.

     

     

     

     

  • Rangers shock Kwara United, claim three points in Ilorin

     

    Seven-time   Premier league winners Rangers international posted an impressive run in a tie against Kwara united on Wednesday.

    The Flying Antelopes ran away with a 2-1 victory over Afonja warriors thus recording their first win on the road and now occupy the first position on group A log.

    The Enugu based side had garnered two goals before the end of the first half to the surprise of their opponents and their vociferous fans at the Ilorin Township Stadium.

    feanyi George Shot the visitors into the lead in the  23rd minute following a corner kick. Aguda Godwin extended the lead four minutes later profiting from a defensive mix up in the backline of Kwara United.

    The Gbenga Ogunbote tutored side held tenaciously to their 2-0 lead to the end of the first half.  On resumption of hostilities in the second half Afonja warriors came out like warriors indeed but found Rangers defence too hard for comfort. But their persistent pressure paid off in the 66th minute when they grabbed what turned out to the consolation goal.

    Returning fire brand striker Ifeanyi Egwim was introduced in the 88 minutes Uchebo as the Coal City Boys tried to push forward while maintaining the defence at the back.

    Both teams from them on fired from all angles the homers in search of equaliser and Rangers in wanting to further consolidate.  That was the scenario the prevailed until the referee sounded his whistle to signal end of proceeding. Rangers who unfortunately crashed out the CAF Champions league campaign recently now have all their attention focused on the league with intent to perhaps reclaim the premier league they won in 2016.

    Rangers will next take on Sunshine Stars on Sunday then followed by a clash against MFM

  • CCC: Rangers canvasses support ahead du Sahel rematch

     

    Confederation Cup campaigners Rangers international have dispatched a come and back us plea to their teeming supporters ahead of the return leg clash against visiting Etoile du Sahel on Sunday.

    The Coal City boys lost 2-1 in Tunis and are eager to turn the table against the visitors in a tie that promises to be full of fireworks.  “Three days to the great tie inside Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu. Come in your red and white tops to cheer the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to another victory. #NeverSayDie” the Gbenga  Ogunbote tutored side told the fans on Friday.

    The defeat in Tunis saw Rangers swap position with Etoile who now occupy the second position on the log pushing Rangers to the third place on the ladder.

    Bright Silas, who netted against Etoile, and who has been consistent in recent times, will be hoping to re-enact the feat recorded in the away tie at home in front of vociferous fans many of who have expressed satisfaction with Rangers performance so far.

    Rangers will however need to keep an eagle eye on Iheb Msakni who scored against them in Tunis and proved to be a torn on the flesh in the encounter.

    Kenyan referee Peter Waweru we understand will be the whistle man at the centre on Sunday.

    A look at Rangers performance in the last five matches both local and continental indicate that the side has won three matches losing one and drawing one, a feat which some say is commendable while urging the side to maintain the tempo.

     

     

     

  • Sfaxien clash: Rangers seek victory song for birthday boy Seka

     

    Confederation cup campaigners Rangers international are bent on singing victory song as they confront C.S Sfaxien Wednesday in Tunis.

    The flying Antelopes’ Ivorian import Seka Pascal added another year to his age on Tuesday and a mini celebration had to be done in Tunis to mark the event, but the Gbenga Ogunbote tutored side are hoping to shine in the match against Sfaxien to further garnish the celebration.

    “We celebrate with our Ivorien import, Seka Pascal as he celebrates his birthday today. Happy birthday Seka!!!! Celebration is on now in Sfax and would continue after the CCC encounter with C.S Sfaxien tomorrow. Many happy returns, Pascal!!!!!, the club said Tuesday

    Seka it would be recalled joined the Coal City boys after his contract expired with Oriental club Ifeanyiubah FC.  Prior to pitching tent with Rangers Seka had reportedly been on the radar of Enyimba  Akwa United, Lobi Stars, and Kano Pillars.

    Rangers and C.S Sfaxien have three points each going into Wednesday’s tie and occupy 1st and 2nd position on Group B log respectively with Rangers with better goal difference.  The Enugu based sided had beaten Bantu FC of Lesotho 2-1 at the Cathedral and will be hoping to consolidate playing away notwithstanding.

    Sfaxien on the other hand tamed Vipers of Ugandan in the first group match and will equally be hoping to keep Rangers known for their fighting spirit in check.

    Mauritanian Referee Beida Damane will be at the center in the Sfaxien versus Rangers showdown.

  • Confederation cup: Rangers mobilise fans for Salitas clash

     

    Confederation cup campaigners Rangers international are hoping to have a full Cathedral when they file out against visiting Salitas of Burkina faso on Sunday in the first match of the group stage.

    The flying Antelopes who have never failed to appreciate the contributions of their fans again sent a clarion call to them to turn out in large numbers for the match which kicks off at 2pm.

    “Hello our dear supporters!!!!!, Where will you be on Sunday, February 03, 2019??? Be at Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, as our darling club tackles Burkina-Faso champions, Salitas F.C in the first match of CCC group stage match. K.O: 2:00pm #NeverSayDie” the club enthused Friday.

    Gambian referee Bakary Gassama will be in at the center when both teams burn the grass on Sunday. While Rangers lock horns against Salitas, Etoile du Sahel will square up against CS Sfaxien.  In the CAF Champions league Lobi stars host Wydad Casablanca Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

    Lobi and Rangers have impressing run so far in the preliminary stages and are poised to forge ahead as the competition gets more tasking with opponents more determined to prove themselves.

  • Fireworks at the temple as Rangers, MFM lock horns

     

    League lovers in the country expect nothing but fireworks as red hot Rangers international and hosts MFM slug it out in Match day 4 today.

    Rangers, who have had a jolly good ride in the CAF Confederation Cup so far, are refocusing on the league while maintaining the high spirit that has produced interesting results for them both home and away.

    The Gbenga  Ogunbote tutored side have recently imbibed an infectious fight to the finish approach where it hardly matters whether they are playing at home or away, an indication that they will take the war to the MFM from the first blast of the whistle.

    MFM equally known to put all the arsenals in the armory in every match will definitely be a tough nut to crack. Die-hard followers who spoke to The Nation   ahead of the mid-week cracker say only momentary loss of concentration on either side will result in loss and victory.

    Rangers who have been drawn in Group B of the CAF Confederaton Cup group B alongside Etoile Du Sahel, Sallitas from Burkina Faso and CS Sfaxien, are playing their first league match this season an indication that the Coal City boys will be fighting to begin on a victorious note or at worst earn a point.

    Oozing with confidence as they trained at the Agege pitch Tuesday the club announced “We are doing it right now at Agege stadium, Lagos for our first NPFL 2019 encounter with MFM” Rangers have a backlog of matches to play as a result of their continental engagement.

    Still waiting on the card are the postponed matches against Niger Tornadoes, Kastina United and Sunshine stars. MFM are going into Wednesday’s match fresh from a 2-0 victory over Kwara United

     

     

     

  • Rangers seek icing on the cake as lobi battle Asec Mimosa

     

    After an impressive away performance against Bantu FC of Lesotho in the CAF Confederation cup play off, hard fighting Rangers international will on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium consolidate on the smooth run so far.

    The flying Antelopes will not only be hoping to win again with a 2-1 first leg advantage but will also be hoping to use victory at the Cathedral to formally celebrate the birthday of team coach Gbenga Ogunbote whose effort so far has continued to yield positive result. The club has already wished their darling coach a happy birthday but there is no doubt that victory on Sunday will be like icing on the cake.

    “Wishing our very hard working Coach, Olugbenga Ogunbote ‘The Oracle’, a happy birthday today,  as he adds one more year to his age. Happy birthday sir!!!!! #NeverSayDie” was the expression Ogunbote woke up to find on the club’s twitter handle Friday January 18.

    It did not stop there as the club went ahead to announce time for the upcoming match in an apparent call on supporters to turn out in large numbers to cheer their team to victory

    “We play host to @BantuFC this Sunday in the third round second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu from 4 pm” the club announced.

    Meanwhile Champions league contenders Lobi Stars who have already hit the Ivorian capital Abidjan ahead of Saturday’s clash with Asec Mimosa will be up against a side that will be all out like wounded lions at the Stade Félix Houphouët- Boigny.

    Unlike Lobi who are heading into Saturday’s match fresh from a 2-1 home victory against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Asec are heading into the match fresh from a 5-2 defeat by Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca.  Wydad are leading Group A with Lobi stars in the second place and while Mimosa are occupying the fourth place on the log.

    Two players Mimosa’s Salif Coulibaly and Lobi Stars Yaya Kone might find themselves working a bit under pressure for taking the bull by the horns against opponents last weekend. While Salif Coulibaly,hit the back of the net against the Moroccans despite Mimosa’s defeat, Kone  ensured Lobi enjoyed a well-deserved victory at the Cathedral against Mamolodi.

    Many believe it promises to be full of fireworks with Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal set to be at the centre in the Mimosa versus Lobi battle.

  • Confederation Cup:  Determined Rangers disarm Defense Forces

     

    Confederation cup campaigners Rangers international posted a tantalizing performance Wednesday in Addis Ababa beating Defense Forces 3-1 in the return leg of their two legged challenge.

    The Flying Antelopes had won the first leg at the Cathedral 2-0 heading to Addis for the second leg full of confidence.

    The Gbenga Ogunbote tutored side had vowed to consolidate in the second leg noting however that it would not be a walk in the park.

    Defense forces shot into the lead as early as the first minute of the match as Minyelu Wendimu converted a penalty.

    The early strike was not only aimed at sending shivers into the camp of visiting Rangers but also tell whoever cares to listen that the forces are ready to turn the table after losing the first leg in Nigeria.

    The celebration of Ethiopian fans was however short lived as Rangers Bright Silas struck 33 minutes later to level scores.

    Godwin Aguda who grabbed the goals for the Antelopes home grabbed another goal in the 39th minute while kevin Itoya converted a penalty in the 78th minute to push the match beyond redemption for Defense forces.

    The back to back victory on 5-1 aggregate is sure boost confidence ahead of subsequent matches.

    Rangers earned a ticket to fly the nation’s flag in the Confederation Cup after edging out Kano Pillars to win the Federation cup.