Manager of Rangers International of Enugu, Gbenga Ogunbote, has rued the opportunities missed by his side in their goalless draw with Abia Warriors in the Oriental derby.
The fourth oriental derby of the 2018 NPFL season saw Abia Warriors host 2016 league winners, Rangers, in Umuahia, with the game ending in a rather disappointing 0-0 draw.
Warriors started the brightest, but it was the away side who created the better chances through Bright Silas, and especially Godwin Aguda, with goalkeeper for the host, Joshua Enaholo also playing his part in ensuring Rangers failed to breach his goal.
Godwin Aguda on the prowl against Abia Warriors pic.twitter.com/b2DVVQRwJ2
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— Rangers Int. FC (@RangersIntFC) February 5, 2018
The Flying Antelopes, though started slowly, ended the first half on a dominant note, and continued from where they stopped after the break.
The Coal City boys were guilty of missing glittering chances, but also met an inspired Enaholo in goal for Warriors, who made a lot of brilliant saves, including a double save to deny Godwin Zaki on the hour mark.
The home side survived the onslaught from their visitors to earn a share of the spoils.
Speaking after the game, Rangers’ manager, Ogunbote expressed satisfaction with the one point his side got, but said they deserved more from the game.
“I thank God we were able to pick a point,” Ogunbote said. “[But] at the same time, I want to see it as a two point loss. This is a game we would have wrapped up for the three points, but all the same, we are happy with a point.”
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote:” It was two points lost for us because it was one game we should have won with as much as three goals, but thank God for the one point against Abia Warriors”
— Rangers Int. FC (@RangersIntFC) February 5, 2018
Probed further on what he thinks really went wrong for Ogunbote was evasive, saying it’s an issue the club will handle ‘internally’.
The win saw Rangers climb up to eighth on the table, on 10points, level with Kastina United and Enyimba, who are sixth and seventh respectively.
For Abia Warriors, they are 14th with eight points, just a point above relegation.
Up next for these two, Rangers host El-Kanemi Warriors in Enugu, while Abia Warriors are away at newly promoted side, Go Round FC of Omoku.
