By Goodness Ndukuba, Enugu on November 13, 2023

Edith Agoye, Sunshine Stars of Akure Coach has lamented that poor game management allowed Rangers International FC of Enugu late dramatic 2-2 draw with his side in Akure Township Stadium on Sunday.

"It was a simple poor game management. The game was almost won but unfortunately the player that was given the instruction to give us victory failed.

"What can we do, we have taken it in good faith. The equalizer today was a difficult one to take, but we continue to work hard. 

"We have turned the disappointment to motivation and will go for winning in our next match against Bayelsa United," he said.

Agoye said that the home match against Rangers was a tough game for his side.

"It was a tough game, we lost two points again at home, same as against Rivers United, but we will take it as an away game," he said.

Accepting it was a tough game, Fidelis Ilechukwu, Rangers Technical Adviser, säid the Coal CityFlying Antelopes snatched a late dramatic point from the Owena Whales in a 2-2 stalemate. 

A delighted Ilechukwu, likening his side's efforts in rescuing a point to one going to he'll and dragging the devil out.

The former MFM of Lagos, Heartland of Owerri and Plateau Utd gaffer confessed that Sunshine Stars gave his side a tough game.

“It was a very difficult match against a quality side", Ilechukwu said to the media after the game tie.  

He reckoned that Rangers "never say die" slogan pushed the boys on till the final whistle.

"But as our slogan says, "we never say die" until the final whistle and I give my players kudos as we keep working on the areas of deficiency. 

"My defense gave away cheap goals but we keep working until we get it right.”

Rangers remain third in the standings with 14 points from eight matches and will welcome Katsina United in a match day 9 fixture at their Awka City Stadium adopted home ground. Lobi Stars is topping the league with 17 points, while Remo Stars is second with 15 points from same eight matches.

Emmanuel Jonas exquisite strike in the second of the four minutes of added time restored parity for the Coal City Flying Antelopes who had looked like surrendering all three points to their hosts in the gritty clash.

Ilechukwu kept faith with the starting X1 that humbled Heartland 2-0 a week ago as Rangers raced to an early lead in the third minute after former NPFL top-scorer, Godwin Obaje connected home an Isaac Saviour free kick after Kenneth Igboke was fouled by defender Ekerette Udom four minutes after kick off.

Seven minutes later, Kazeem Ogunleye came close to doubling Rangers advantage but his drive from 25 yards out missed target by inches.

The home side heeded Rangers warning and matched the throttle pedal harder. They were rewarded in the 13th mine when Ibrahim Yusuf fetched the equaliser for the adventurous Owena Whales after he was left unmarked by Rangers defenders with both sides going into the break on level terms.

Sunshine Stars went in front for the first time in the game in the 76th minute when Moses Omodumueke’s teasing shot found its way past a badly positioned Rangers keeper, Japhet Opubo.

The stadium erupted in jubilation but Emmanuel Jonas has something in stock, scoring in the stoppage time to leave final scores at 2-2.

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted November 13, 2023

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