NPFL: Rangers vow not to forget Sunshine Stars’ lessons

Rangers International of Enugu have been thought a good lesson they will never forget in Akure by the Sunshine Stars

According to Rangers’ gaffer, Salisu Yusuf, the 3-1 loss his side suffered in Akure, would forever be a springboard for his team’ to forge ahead in the remaining part of the season.

“Sunshine did well and took the chances they created while we reacted lately,” said the widely-travelled tactician after watching his wards surrender all three points to the club’s former coach, Olugbenga Ogunbote.

In the matchday 7, NPFL 2020/2021 fixture inside the Akure Township stadium, two goals inside 34 minutes set the ‘Owena Waves’ on a winning lane as Sadeeq Yusuf benefited from a defensive mix-up to blast past Nana Bonsu on 24 minutes while pint-sized, Fuad Ekelojuoti bundled home a Chinedu Udechukwu’ sweeping cross on 34 minutes after a swift counter-attack move.

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Godspower Aniefiok halved the deficit on 57 minutes when he powered home a connecting header from substitute, Dauda Madaki’ well taken free-kick but three minutes later, Chinedu Udechukwu restored the host’ two goal lead as his ferocious free kick from over twenty-five meters sailed through the hands of Nana Bonsu at the hour mark.

Both teams played the last quarter of the encounter with a man less as Ifeanyi Nweke of Rangers and Bright Akpojuvewho of Sunshine Stars got the referee’s marching order for un-sportsmanly conduct.

Efforts by Esor Achibong, Femi Ajayi, and Israel Abia to find a way back into the game failed to yield any dividend as the backline of the host did not give any ground away even when they did, goalkeeper, David Ariyo was alert to thwart such opportunity.

Rangers will next play Dakkada F.C of Uyo on Wednesday with another home fixture against Warri Wolves on Sunday in a matchday 8 and 9 fixtures inside the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.