Kwara United 1-1 Rangers: Flying Antelopes earn valuable point in Ilorin

Rangers International F.C of Enugu continued its good start in the 2023/2024 NPFL season with a deserved 1-1 draw away to Kwara United F.C in a match day 4 fixture on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

The ‘Flying Antelopes’ raced to a 34th-minute lead courtesy of a Kazeem Ogunleye’ drilled free kick from the edge of the box which goalkeeper Suleiman Salihu had no answer to after Kalu Nweke had been fouled as he dribbled his way towards a promising position.

Kwara United almost drew level from the re-start but brave defending by Kalu Nweke ensured that the Enugu side went into the break with a slim lead.

Alao Mohammed drew the home side level on 56 minutes after being left unmarked by Rangers players and latched onto an inch-perfect pass to blast past enterprising, Japhet Opubo.

The ‘Afonja Warriors’ pressed on for the winner but met a brick wall in the person of Opubo who produced countless saves to ensure that the spoils of the encounter were shared.

Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, in a post-match chat, described the encounter as very entertaining and a good advert for the NPFL.

‘It was a very good match against a quality side and we are happy with the outcome of the encounter. We had opportunities to wrap the game in the first stanza but could not utilize them which gave them the courage to come out in the second stanza.

‘My players did well to contain all that they threw at us and we celebrate the draw like a win. We go back home to prepare for our next match against Kano Pillars and hopefully, we shall consolidate on this result today in Ilorin.’

After the encounter, the coach of Kwara United, Kabir Dogo said, ‘Rangers were very lucky getting the draw. They did not deserve it but that is football for you.’

Rangers are currently third on the log with seven points from four matches. They will next play host to Kano Pillars led by its immediate past gaffer, coach Abdul Maikaba at the Awka City Stadium on Saturday, October 28, 2023.