Rangers 2-1 Doma United: Nweke, Onyemaechi fire Antelopes past Savannah Tigers
ENUGU – Rangers International started their 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign with a 2-1 victory against Doma United at the Awka City Stadium on Saturday, 30 September 2023.
Bidemi Owuko’s goal wasn’t enough for the Savannah Tigers to stage a comeback after falling behind to two first-half goals from Kalu Nweke and Austin Onyemaechi.
How it happened
The game sprung to life as early as the 7th minute with a significant save by Doma’s goalkeeper, Kingdom Osayi, denying Godwin Obaje the first goal-scoring opportunity.
Despite numerous attempts, the score remained goalless until the 29th minute when Kalu Nweke shot from distance, finding the bottom corner to give Rangers a lead.
The Flying Antelopes doubled their lead just five minutes later when Austin Onyemaechi scored, courtesy of an assist from Godwin Obaje.
Doma United nearly found the net through an individual effort by Charles Terwar, whose brilliant bicycle kick struck the crossbar, narrowly missing what would’ve been a goal of the season contender.
Doma’s intensity increased more but goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo, stood his ground with crucial double saves in the 39th and 42nd minutes to keep Rangers ahead.
In the second half, CharlesTerwar continued from where he stopped and almost came close to scoring but his right-footed effort hit the crossbar.
Nwobodo missed golden opportunities to extend the host’s lead further in the 65th and 67th minutes, with Osayi denying him both times.
Fidelis Ilechukwu made triple change in the 68th minute, bringing Ohawume, Saviour, and Jonas in to ensure he secured maximum points in his first official game as Rangers manager.
Doma United seized their long-awaited opportunity to score in the 73rd minute when Bidemi Owoku and Hillary displayed impressive teamwork inside the Rangers’ box, resulting in a well-executed goal by Bidemi, giving Doma United a lifeline in the game.
Coach Akinade Onigbinde made strategic changes in the second half, introducing Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Jerry Agwu, and Sani Suleiman, with Suleiman making his debut. These substitutions injected fresh energy into the team and allowed for increased offensive opportunities.
Doma United relentlessly pressed for an equalizer, creating several chances, but Rangers’ resolute defense held firm, securing the win. Notably, Kingdom Osayi’s outstanding saves in both halves kept Doma United in contention and added to the excitement of the match.
The spirited performance concluded with a defeat for Doma United and celebration for Rangers.
Reactions
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu expressed concern about missed chances and pressure on his team but emphasized the importance of securing the three points.
“As the coach, you have to be very worried, because this is what we are doing everyday, converting chances, scoring goals, but today we don’t know what’s putting them under pressure,” Ilechukwu said.
“What we are going to do is to give them more confidence that they can do it, and keep on having a training session.
“It is a very sad day for me as a coach, because there could have been three goals up in this game and we were not able to do that. But the three points is very important to us.”
On his own part, Kalu Nweke, the goal scorer, was pleased with his performance and credited his teammates for their support.
“My goal today makes me feel good,” Nweke said. “This goal means so much to me, because I played for this goal, my morale is being boosted.”
“I really appreciate my teammates they told me they believe in me, that I can do it, and I’m glad to score the goal, I’m glad that my team won, that’s the most important thing.
“Doma is a good side, you cannot underrate them, they did well last season and they gave us a good fight.” he said.
Enugu State Sports Commissioner, Barr Ekweremadu, acknowledged the fair play but stressed the need to work harder as the season progresses.
What’s next?
Doma United now looks forward to their first home game of the season at the Pantami Stadium, where they will host Bayelsa United next weekend.
Rangers will travel to Ikenne to face Remo Stars in NPFL Matchday 2 fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium.
