Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament: Rangers cruise past Golden United

A goal in either half by enterprising midfielder, Julius Ikechukwu, helped Rangers International F.C subdue a very stubborn F.C Golden United Academy in the last group A match of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament taking place inside Rangers Training Pitch, Enugu.

Ikechukwu reacted the quickest on 26 minutes to stab home after the Academy side’ shot stopper failed to handle a well-struck corner kick by Samuel Pam while the former Gateway F.C midfielder grabbed his second for the day on 58 minutes when he was fed by Michael Ibe with a defense splitting pass.

There were chances for the likes of Chukwudi Nwaodu, Reuben Bala, and John Jacob to punish the Academy side further as the game approached its end but splendid goalkeeping made sure that the game only recorded two goals.

At the other end, Chizoba Okoh who stood between the sticks for the ‘Flying Antelopes’ was called to duty but the fleet-footed forwards of the Academy side but he reacted well to beat out a strong shot on 85 minutes while making a full-length dive to clutch a headed effort three minutes later to draw applause from the few fans that came for the match.

This victory brings it to nine wins, two drawn matches, and a loss in the twelve preseason games played by the Enugu landlords.

The coach Abdul Maikaba tutored side will continue its build-up for the fast-approaching football season with a friendly fixture against premiership side, Abia Warriors F.C on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Okigwe Township Stadium.