NPFL: Tornadoes beat Rangers in Enugu
Ifeanyi Okechukwu scored a sensational winner as Niger Tornadoes stunned Enugu Rangers with a 2-1 win in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Saturday.
Tornadoes stung their hosts at the famed Cathedral, with Okechukwu dealing a fatal blow the hosts could not recover from after Ismail Sarki, newly signed from Enyimba, and Chinemerem Ugwueze traded goals in the first half.
The visitors took the lead on 17 minutes when Sarki bundled home from close range but Rangers provided an immediate response through Ugwueze as both sides went into the interval level.
The winning goal came in the 64th minute and it was worth the wait; a four-man team move that included two back-heeled passes, with the latter setting Okechukwu up nicely to blast his shot into the top corner beyond Osayi Samuel, Rangers goalkeeper, for 2-1.
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There was a late drama when Effimi Nsi was brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded to Ranger, but the home side failed to snatch a point from the spot as Chiedozie Okorie hit the crossbar, allowing Tornadoes to claim all three points.
The defeat is Rangers second consecutive loss at home this season. The Flying Antelopes remain in fourth position with 31 points from 20 matches.
Tornadoes however moved to the top half of the league. They also ended a seven-match winless streak away from home with the victory.
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RESULTS
- Enugu Rangers 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
- Sunshine Stars 4-3 Ikorodu City
- Nasarawa 1-0 Katsina United
- Abia Warriors 1-0 Bayelsa United
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