Oriental Derby Heartbreak: Rangers End Enyimba’s Unbeaten Run In Enugu

 

Enyimba FC’s impressive unbeaten league run came to a halt on Sunday as Enugu Rangers claimed bragging rights in a pulsating Oriental Derby, edging the People’s Elephant 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu fondly called The Cathedral.

In a contest filled with grit, tension and high derby emotions, both Oriental giants traded blows, but it was the home side that emerged victorious, ending Enyimba’s streak in dramatic fashion.

After a cagey first half that ended goalless, Enyimba returned with renewed intensity and drew first blood barely four minutes after the restart.

In form winger and former Rangers man, Wonah Williams, silenced their former employers in the 49th minute as he volleyed home off a fine assist from Jonathan Jacobs, giving Enyimba the lead.

However, the joy was short lived as Rangers Respond mounting a relentless pressure and got their reward in the 61st minute when Onyebuchi Ifeanyi punished a poor clearance inside Enyimba’s area to restore parity.

The goal came amid protests from Enyimba players who claimed a teammate (Williams) was down injured and unattended before the corner kick which resulted in the goal was taken, but the referee waved play on.

The hosts, buoyed by the equaliser, continued to press and turned the game on its head in the 68th minute when Iwundu Chidozie nodded home following another defensive mix-up after an aerial ball was floated into Enyimba box.

The nine time Nigerian champions threw everything forward in search of a leveller, and came agonisingly close in stoppage time. Obichere Odinaka fired a thunderous long range strike that rattled the Rangers goalkeeper who parried for conner and moments later, Chidera Michael squandered a golden chance when his free header failed to hit the target.

Despite the late push, Rangers held firm to claim all three points in a derby encounter that lived up to its billing.

Speaking after the encounter, Enyimba Technical Adviser Coach Emmanuel Deutsch Gustavo admitted Rangers showed greater hunger on the day, but insisted the defeat would not derail his side’s determination to secure safety before the season ends.

“Losing such a derby game away isn't that bad, it wasn't a bad game, we scored the first goal, they equalized and scored the second.

They needed the victory the way we needed and it's a regional derby, they get their 3 points, congratulations to them and we will go home to prepare for the next game.”

The German tactician further maintained that Enyimba’s focus remains firmly on surviving the campaign, stressing that the setback in Enugu is only a temporary stumble.

Despite the defeat, Enyimba remain 13th on the NPFL log with 43 points, and will now turn attention to their Abia State FA Cup semi final clash against Abia Comets on Thursday at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

After the cup fixture, the People’s Elephant will return to league duty with a crucial showdown against defending champions, Remo Stars, as the Aba giants continue their push to finish the season strongly and steer clear of danger.

For Enyimba, the derby loss may sting, but the battle for survival continues.