Abakaliki fans and indeed football lovers in Ebonyi state were on Monday treated to a fascinating NPFL clash as Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia and Enugu Rangers Int’l FC renewed their Oriental battle at the ongoing Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Preseason Football Tournament.
The encounter which was the third and last of the day may have not produced any goal as both NPFL campaigners settled for a goalless draw but the encounter was indeed a delight for the fans who turned up in mass as many were openly seen clamouring for more NPFL actions as such.
Both sides couldn’t hide their intentions to go all out for victory but ended up cancelling each out with very astute defence leaving the NPFL champions, Rangers with two draws in the tournament while Abia Warriors comfortably lead Group A with 7 points having won two and drawn one.
Meanwhile, in Group B Enyimba FC though parading their B team took charge of their group with two straight victories after defeating hard fighting Excellent FC of Enugu 1- 0 and Achievers FC 1-0, earning 6 maximum points from two games.
The early game of the day between Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri and Coal City of Enugu ended 1-1 leaving the Owerri side in a must win encounter in their last game against Abia Warriors tomorrow by 12noon.
Coal City FC on the other will have their hands filled by 4pm on Tuesday when they take on Rangers Int’l in an Enugu City derby at the Abakiliki Township Stadium.
The first game tomorrow will see Excellent FC of Ugheli, Delta State attempting to join Enyimba FC to the Semis when they take on home side and the youngest in the tournament, Mathias FA of Ebonyi State who have lost two games so far leaving them without a point.
Source/Tico/Select Media
