Niger Tornadoes winless home streak against Rangers continues
... As coach describes defeat as temporary setback
TUNDE BOLAJI -MINNA.
The Rangers International Football Club, Enugu, otherwise known as the Flying Antepoles, came to Bako Kontagora Stadium live an,d; at the end of the setti, ng pipped their host, Niger Tornadoes Football Club, fondly called the Allah B toys, one goal to nil.
The host team was made to pay for their missed scoring chances in defeat to league-defending champions Rangers Int’l at the Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna, with Bashir Usman’s first-half strike sealing the victory for the Flying Antelopes.
Majin Mohammed’s side, who were still reeling from their last-minute defeat in Kano the previous weekend and aiming for victory against Rangers, failed in their third attempt as the visitors ground out victory, albeit the hard way.
The first-half proceedings saw the two teams trying to assert control of the game. However, the front three of Ernest, Williams, and Mendos had their moments but failed to make the most of it.
It was a little above the half-hour mark, and Bashir Usman put his team into the lead when he traded a pass with his colleague and drove into the area before releasing a shot that beat Yusuf Mohammed in goal.
All attempts to level the score before the break proved abortive as the visitors’ defense remained resolute.
Proceedings for the second half commenced and it was Tornadoes attack versus Lucky Abdullahi in goal for Rangers.
The ex-Tornadoes goalie proved why he’s one of the most sought-after shot-stoppers in the land with some vital and brilliant saves to protect his team’s advantage.
Papa Daniel who made a quick return from the national team to team up with his colleagues, tried everything to split open the opponent’s rear and get the elusive goal but proved hard before he was withdrawn for Ifeanyi Okoye.
The likes of Tasiu Lawal and Olawale Emmanuel were introduced in a bid to get a goal, but the more Tornadoes pressed, the more Rangers back line continued to soak off the pressure until the blast of the final whistle.
This made it three consecutive home games against Rangers without a win on the part of the Tornadoes.
Coach Majin Mohammed summed up his reactions, post-match thus:
“It was a temporary setback; we played against a formidable and experienced side, league defending champions, and they showed why they were champions.”
“Yes, Papa Daniel looked fatigued, that’s why we started him; to see what he can offer us, he did his best.”
“We will assess the team during the break, look at the strengths and weaknesses to see where we can beef up, especially in midfield and attack.”
