Enyimba came from a goal down to beat Rangers 2-1 in a pulsating Oriental Derby in Aba. A brace from Victor Mbaoma helped the People’s Elephants to overcome an early shock.
Enyimba needed redemption after a 2-1 loss to Abia Warriors in midweek and they started the game with quick style of play, hoping to score an early goal but Rangers stuck to their game plan and passed the ball beautifully in midfield
Ekene Awazie drove close to the box in the 6th minute and sent in a cross but Obioma’s touch let him down and two minutes later, there were moments of resolute defending by the Flying Antelopes as Enyimba pressed for an opener
Enyimba had a chance in the 12th minute when Mbaoma nodded the ball to Obioma’s path and the former Abia Warriors power forward shot over the bar
Rangers shocked Enyimba with a fine goal in the 15th minute. Chidiebere Nwobodo ran through Enyimba’s midfield and outpaced Adekunle Adeleke before laying a sublime pass to Ossy Martins who beat his markers, dribbled past Bassa Djeri before slotting into an open net. The goal gave life to Rangers fans who were vocal at the stadium
Enyimba quickly shook off the shock and pressed for an equalizer and were rewarded for their efforts in the 32nd minute through Victor Mbaoma. Adekunle Adeleke, who played in midfield raced with the ball and released a pass to Mbaoma and the striker lifted the ball past Seidu Mutawakilu
Enyimba almost got a second goal in the 44th minute through a brilliant effort from Emeka Obioma. The striker flawlessly flicked the ball over his marker and sent in a cross which beat Seidu Mutawakilu but Tope Olusesi produced a stunning clearance to deny Enyimba a goal, and he got a knock in the process
Both sides continued to entertain the crowd and there were moments of swift passes from the Flying Antelopes which drew applause from the crowd
Finidi George made tactical changes and brought on experienced midfielder, Cyril Olisema who brought stability to Enyimba’s midfield. That change led to Enyimba’s winner in the 68th minute when Cyril Olisema floated a sublime cross into the box and Mbaoma was in the right place to nod home the goal
Enyimba held on to get a second win in three games.