The highly-anticipated Oriental derby clash between Enyimba and Enugu Rangers ultimately ended in a stalemate, with both sides unable to find a breakthrough in a tense and tightly-contested affair which was played at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Tuesday, December 3rd.
Defending Champions, Enugu Rangers went into the derby on a 7 game unbeaten streak. However, the head-to-head record between both teams did not favor them as they had gone 20 consecutive NPFL games at Enyimba without a win.
Having lost to Al-Masry in the CAF Confederations Cup, Enyimba were desperate for a morale-booster that could lift their spirits ahead of an important second group game against Egyptian counterparts, Zamalek. Prior to the loss, they had also gone 3 league games without a win.
Enyimba started the game positively, controlling the tempo and pinning the away side in their own half, however, they were unable to convert their possession to a much-needed goal. Their dominance was crystal clear as goalkeeper, Ani Ozoemena only had one save to make throughout the first half. Despite their supremacy, the first half ended goalless.
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The second half continued in the same fashion as the home team kept pushing for an opener. Nevertheless, the Flying Antelopes remained disciplined in defense and quick on the transition, although they themselves could not break the deadlock. Both managers made substitutions with the intent of winning the game, but at the end, both teams could not be separated as the game ended goalless.
The result means Enugu Rangers are now unbeaten in 8 games as they continue to fight for back-to-back title winning campaigns. They sit fourth with 24 points in 15 games, 5 points behind league leaders, Rivers United who they host in a high-stakes matchup on Sunday, December 8.
Enyimba will shift their focus to the CAF Confederations Cup as they host Zamalek. However, in the NPFL, their next league game is away to Plateau United as they attempt to climb up the table and stage another title challenge.
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