Rangers, Heartland battle to a draw in crunchy NPFL Oriental derby News

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Rangers, Heartland battle to a draw in crunchy NPFL Oriental derby

By News Express on May 21, 2016

Enugu Rangers and Heartland played out a 0-0 draw in Friday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

In a first half largely dominated by the hosts, Chisom Egbuculam had the first crack at goal inside the opening two minutes but saw his effort saved by the Heartland goalkeeper, Ebele Obi.

Heartland threatened in the ninth minute through Ifeanyi Onuigbo whose long range strike went wide off Itodo Akor’s right hand post.

Egbuchulam came close again on 25 minutes with a fierce free kick which was saved by Obi in impressive fashion.

The contest decided in front of a capacity crowd continued to ebb and flow with Rangers winning a penalty, five minutes before half time as Bobby Clement was felled by Zoumana Doumbia in the box.

Egbuchulam stepped to take the spot kick but the home faithful groaned collectively after he produced a poor effort from 12 yards which was saved by the impressive Obi.

Rangers upped the ante after the restart but found the Heartland rear guard in uncompromising form.

Fifteen minutes before the end, Godwin Aguda was presented with a decent chance to score the opener but he placed his header wide after Donou Kokou crossed in impeccable fashion.

The Naze Millionaires defended in heroic fashion in the closing stages to hold on for a potentially invaluable point while the Flying Antelopes were left to ponder what might have been.

Rangers thus climb one place on the log as they now sit in second place with 29 points from 18 matches, two points adrift of the leaders, Rivers United who face Lobi Stars in Makurdi on Sunday. © supersport.com

•Photo shows Rangers players.

Source News Express

Posted May 21, 2016