Rangers International F.C, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Friday, October 21, 2021, inside the main bowl of Akanu Ibiam stadium, U.N.N, Nsukka, dispatched the hard fighting football team of U.N.N Lions team 2-0 in a practice match as the premiership side continues preparations for the 2021/2022 football season.

The university football team that came third in the recently concluded Higher Institutions Football Tournament gave a good account of themselves but met a determined and target oriented side under coach Mbwas Mangut.

Elijah Ani shot the Enugu side into the lead as early as the 5th minute as he dribbled his way through a sea of tackling legs to find the back of the net to receive a loud ovation from the crowd that thronged the venue of the encounter while all efforts to convert more chances created were wasted as the university team upped their game and pushed back the rampaging ‘Flying Antelopes’.

New attacking sensation, Obiorah Emeka scored the second goal when he converted from the spot on 72 minutes after enterprising Daniel Vendaga was upended inside the box after evading two earlier tackles.

Chances fell for Tony Eliagwu, Samuel Pam, Ikechukwu Eboko and Philip Clement in the last quarter of the encounter but quality goalkeeping ensured the game did not record more goals.

Coach Mbwas Mangut said after the fixture, “Our first half was not too good but with substitutions, the second half saw us dominating and I believe we are gradually but surely getting the right mix to challenge for honors when the new season kicks off. Our opponent showed a lot of determination and their play showed that they have been together for a while. It was a good match.”

NORBERT OKOLIE