Enugu Rangers continue slide, lose 1-3 to Egypt’s Pyramid

CAF Confederation Cup

ENUGU Rangers yesterday showed that a new coach does not actually translate to a new attitude when they lost 1- 3 to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in their CAF Confederation Cup group opening game. Rangers last week sacked Coach Ben Ugwu following a run of successive defeats, including a home loss to Akwa Starlets in the Nigerian Professional Football League ( NPFL). They brought in national team coach, Salisu Yusuf to try to steady the ship, but against a sleek Pyramid FC, the Flying Antelopes could not lift their limbs.

Playing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Ibrahim Olawoyin’s 29thminute effort was expected to galvanise the Nigerians to a massive win. Instead, the Enugu boys contrived to send their fans home, looking for whom to blame for another loss.

Rangers were reduced to 10 men when Tope Olusesi was given his marching orders on the stroke of half- time for a second caution. After that, it was an open road for Pyramids FC.

The Egyptians came back to life with Mohamed Farouk drawing them level in the 54th minute from the spot. The Pharaohs twisted the dagger through Amor Layouni, who converted an assist from outstanding Islam Eissa in the 83rd minute.

The damage was completed four minutes later when Eissa converted Pyramids’ second penalty after Eric Traore was fouled by

Nana Bonsu.

It is not the worst phase Enugu Rangers have gone through in recent times, but their next game is against another Egyptian side, Al Masry on December 8 at the

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ASARAWA United’s woeful form continued yesterday following their 1-0 home defeat to Delta Force, reports

The Solid Miners were hoping to end their winless streak against the

Alexandria

Alexandria.

That is a hard ask for a team still unsure of what has been happening to it. But the coach has about seven days to get the boys up to speed for what on paper is a daunting task.

Stadium, newcomers, however, they failed in that bid. Solomon Enudi’s strike proved vital for the visitors as the Lafia- based team failed in their quest to come back in the second half.

Following their second

KELECHI Iheanacho struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner following a VAR intervention as Leicester City moved up to second place with a 2-1 win over troubled Everton at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes forward made a huge contribution from the bench as he set up Jamie Vardy’s equaliser on 68 minutes before firing in a superb last-gasp drive that was initially ruled out for offside.

The visitors led at the interval courtesy of Richarlison’s bullet header and had survived a scare when VAR overturned a penalty award for Mason Holgate’s challenge on Ben Chilwell.

The result means Brendan Rodgers’ side made it six league wins on the spin for the first time since 1963 and are now eight points off top spot, and three ahead of Manchester City. Everton changed system to three at the back and it worked for much of the contest, but the heartbreaking defeat means the Toffees remain 17th, just two points off the drop zone.

Leicester will now look to continue their winning run when they host rockhome loss so far, they sit at the base of the Nigeria top- flight log with two points from six outings. They travel to the Akure Township Stadium on December 8 for their next outing against Kabiru Dogo’s Sunshine Stars. bottom Watford on Wednesday while Everton face a major test at Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Leicester’s bid to confirm the murmurs that they could sneak their way into becoming Liverpool’s main title rivals were enhanced here, with the type of belief and togetherness that was reminiscent of the ingredients that saw them crowned shock champions back in 2016. However, it was a very tough one for Everton to take. Marco Silva is clinging on to his job, but a win at the home of the Foxes would have given him some respite. It’s looking bleak for the Blues boss after a seventh defeat in 10 outings and next up is a trip to the red side of Merseyside, where the Toffees haven’t won since 1999. If Silva is still in place to take charge at Anfield, he’ll need something special to realistically keep his job going forward.

Kelechi Iheanacho made a stunning impact from the bench with a goal and an assist. His introduction sparked the whole of the home side into life and completely changed the complexion of the contest.

At the New Jos Stadium, former champions Plateau United were held to a 0-0 draw by rivals Kano Pillars.

The much talked about encounter failed to produce a goal as both teams produced defensive masterclasses.

This result is a setback for Plateau United, who are eyeing another league triumph or at least a return to continental football.