Defending champions Rangers International produced a disciplined defensive display to earn a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Enyimba in an entertaining Oriental Derby at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Tuesday night, softootball reported.
Enyimba dominated possession for long spells and created the better scoring opportunities but failed to find a breakthrough despite their attacking intent.
The People’s Elephant piled pressure on the visitors throughout the encounter, winning nine corner kicks, while Rangers remarkably failed to earn a single corner. However, the Flying Antelopes stood firm at the back, frustrating the hosts with a resilient defensive performance.
Despite Enyimba’s dominance, Rangers goalkeeper and backline remained composed, denying the Aba giants the goal they desperately searched for.
The result sees Rangers climb to fourth place in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings with 24 points from 15 matches.
Enyimba, who have played two games fewer than Rangers, occupy sixth position with 21 points from 13 matches.
Attention now shifts to continental football for the Aba-based club, who will welcome defending champions Zamalek of Egypt in a crucial CAF Confederation Cup fixture on Sunday.
While Enyimba will be disappointed not to have converted their superiority into three points, Rangers will take plenty of positives from a determined away performance that earned them a valuable point in one of the league’s biggest rivalries.
