The Flying Antelopes failed to come to the party as the Oriental derby against Heartland FC ended in a barren draw in Friday night football.
Rangers who were hoping to get another win at home to cover up lost points forfeited because of the expulsion of Giwa FC earlier in the day were unable to get behind their visitors in Friday’s clash at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.
The hosts dominated play from the blast of the whistle and should have gone ahead in the 2nd minute when Chisom Egbuchulam met Udeagha's cross with a flick, but Heartland keeper Ebele Obi saved what would have been a beautiful goal.
Soon it was the turn of Ifeanyi Onuigbo of Heartland to blast high from close range, as the match became an end to end affair.
In the 24th minute Rangers won a free kick at Chisom Egbuchulam's territory were he has scored four free kick from this season. He curled the ball towards the top left hand side of the goal post, but Heartland's keeper Ebele Obi was on hand to make a quick save.
An early Injury to Rangers player Chidiebere Okolie forced the player to be substituted in the 33rd minute for striker Bobby Clement and minutes later he won the Flying Antelopes a penalty after he was brought down by Heartland's player Doumbia.
Again Chisom Egbuchulam failed to convert the spot kick awarded to his team as he shot straight to Heartland's keeper Ebele Obi.
It was the first goalless draw between both teams in 12 years. With the solitary derby point, Rangers remain top of the NPFL log with 32 points from 18 games.
HeartlandTeam List
Rangers Team List
30. Itodo Akor (GK) 28. Donou Kokou 26. Chidiebere Okolie 13. Christian Madu 5. Ousmane Pape Sane 15. Camara Aziz 6. Obinna Nwobodo 19. Godwin Aguda 11. Chisom Egbuchulam 35. Chinedu Udeagha 33. Tope Olusesi
SUBS: 25. Nana Bonsu 18. Okey Odita 3. Bright Esieme 14. Dada Bitrus 4. Amanfor Chimezie 24. Agbo Charles 9. Bobby Clement
18. Ebele Obi (GK) 14. Brownbraye Okpus 4. Zoumana Doumbia 26. Julius Ubido 22. Nnaemeka Anyanwu 29. Chinedu Efugh 9. Emeka Ogbugh 8. Bright Ejike 20. Ifeanyi Onuigbo 11. Marcmacel Obioha 23. Isaac Loute
Subs: 1. Phillip Acho 24. Nelson Ognonnaya 32. Anthony Oussou 13. Fortune Omoniwari 15. Benedict Okotu 27. Chidiebere Ajoku 28. Uchenna Orisakwe
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