Sports
NPFL: MFM maintain pace, edge champions Rangers
MFM FC continued their impressive start to the season, remaining unbeaten at home, with a 2-1 win over champions Enugu Rangers in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash at the Agege Stadium in Lagos on Friday.
The Fidelis IIechukwu side have earned four home victories in the top-flight this season, after beating Niger Tornadoes 3-0, Lobi Stars 4-0, Kano Pillars 1-0 and now the reigning champions Rangers International.
“Yes, I’m ecstatic with the hard fought win against reigning champions, Enugu Rangers,” Ilechukwu said after the game.
It was in the 32nd minute that Sikiru Olatunbosun put the hosts ahead, while Stephen Odey added the second on the hour mark, before Bobby Clement halved the deficit in the 81st minute for the visitors.
Read Also: Clement speaks of Rangers’ victory and his winning goal against Lobi Stars
“People never believe we can do it but here we are doing it as well as surpassing their expectations. “Rangers are good side and we did extra preparation to get ready for this encounter and I’m happy the end result paid off pretty well,” Ilechukwu added.
Rangers on the other hand were playing their third game in six days as they struggled to cope with the pace of their opponents.
“I give kudos to my wards too as it was not really easy playing three crucial matches within space of days,” Rangers Coach Imama Amapakabo said after the game.
“It was a good game for both sides though we were punished as we gifted MFM FC the two goals.
“The right back did not close well on the striker thereby allowing him the opportunity to turn to take the shot….if the defender had closed in on him well he would not have had the chance to turn to score the goal.”
But the win for MFM took them into second place with 16 points, four less than league leaders Plateau United; just as the loss leaves the Coal City side at nine points with two matches at hand against 3SC and Kano Pillars.
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