The Flying Antelopes gave their fans something to smile about after a hard-earned win at home.
Coach of Rangers International Abdul Maikaba was in a good mood after his team came out unscathed against a stubborn Doma United in the NPFL.
The Flying Antelopes defeated their newly promoted visitors 1-0 at the Awka City Stadium on Sunday evening.
Chidera Ezeh was the hero of the day for the Enugu side as he scored the decisive winner in the first half for the club.
Maikaba praises his players
While the Antelopes were pushed to dig deep for the win, their manager was happy with the outcome of the game.
Speaking after the match, Maikaba praised his players and noted that their performance was an encouraging one for the team.
“I am encouraged by this performance and believe that very soon, we shall start picking points on the road,” Maikaba told Rangers Media.
Speaking further on the game against Doma, he congratulated his Antelopes for a good one but wanted more goals.
“It was a good game that would have seen more goals from my boys but for some good goalkeeping from the opponents. I congratulate my team for this win as we try to overcome our difficult start. “
The game in brief
Rangers went into the encounter looking to bounce back to winning ways after the narrow defeat to Wikki Tourist in Bauchi the last time.
However, it was the visitors who started on a positive note with a barrage of attacks early on.
The Flying Antelopes weathered the early storm and were handed a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot seven minutes before the break.
Ezeh stepped up to the plate to convert expertly to give the host a narrow lead at the break.
It was an open game in the second half but neither side could add to the scoreline as the Rangers held on for the win and three points.
What the result means
With the win secured, the Antelopes get a breather from the relegation zone after they registered their second win of the season in seven matches.
The Antelopes have now moved three points clear of the danger zone while Doma are a point ahead on the log.
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