Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has expressed surprise at Kwara United’s unexpected prowess, claiming that he underestimated their strength after their nail-biting NPFL encounter over the weekend.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw at the Kwara State Stadium Complex as both sides scored in each half, with Alao Mohammed’s goal canceling out Kazeem Ogunleye’s earlier strike, Footballrover reports
The Flying Antelopes capitalized on Kwara United’s slow start to the clash, with Kazeem Ogunleye slotting home the opening goal from a free-kick.
#NPFL24 #MD4#KWARAN
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⚽ 1 – 1
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Kazeem Ogunleye 33' Mohammed Alao 53' pic.twitter.com/6DY3iJqRls— Kwara United F.C. (@KwaraUnitedFC) October 22, 2023
However, the Harmony Warriors equalized in the 56th minute through Alao Mohammed, who was later picked as Man of the Match, as he curved past the keeper a through pass from captain Kabir Balogun.
Speaking after the game, Enugu Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said:
“I never knew Kwara United were as good as this. Their first half wasn’t good, and we failed to capitalize on that. They came out strong in the second half, and to me, the draw we got here was like a win.”
At the other end, Kwara United head coach Kabiru Dogo also noted that the Coal City outfit were lucky to get away with a draw in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League encounter.
The Harmony Boys’ tactician admitted that his young side is gradually improving as the season progresses, urging fans to be patient with them.
“Rangers were very lucky getting the draw. They didn’t deserve it. That’s football for you. My team is improving game by game. They are a bunch of young players, and with patience, they will keep improving,” he told the club’s media.
This coming weekend, Kwara United will be visiting Bayelsa United with the hope of picking up another crucial point while Rangers, on the other hand, will be hosting Kano Pillars.
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