RANGERS CLINCH RESOUNDING DERBY WIN OVER KUN KHALIFAT FC

Defending champions Rangers International FC secured a commanding 4–2 victory over South-East rivals Kun Khalifat FC in an entertaining NPFL South-East derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Defending champions Rangers International FC secured a commanding 4–2 victory over South-East rivals Kun Khalifat FC in an entertaining NPFL South-East derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. The Flying Antelopes dominated large spells of the encounter, creating several opportunities and showing greater attacking intent throughout the game. Rangers threatened as early as the fourth minute when Chidozie Iwundu's well-struck free kick beat the wall but was kept out by the Kun Khalifat goalkeeper. Azeez Falolu came close in the 14th minute, sending his effort narrowly wide, before another opportunity fell Rangers' way in the 25th minute. Falolu's well-timed pass found Emo James on the edge of the area, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. The pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute when Folarin Temitope broke the deadlock. Waheed Adebayo's pass found the midfielder at the edge of the box, and Temitope made no mistake, firing past Akpan Nsikakabong to register his first goal for Rangers. Kun Khalifat restored parity in the 38th minute after Rangers goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke spilled a high claim from a corner, allowing Preye Seikorowei to pounce and level the score. Rangers, however, responded immediately and regained the lead in the 45th minute. Temitope produced another moment of quality, setting up Waheed Adebayo, who dazzled past his marker before calmly slotting the ball into the net. SECOND HALF: RANGERS TURN THE SCREW The second half resumed with both sides showing attacking intent, but Rangers continued to look the more dangerous of the two teams. Their pressure was rewarded in the 65th minute when Adebayo delivered a defence-splitting pass to Chimaobi Igwilo. The forward showed composure to beat his marker before firing past the goalkeeper to make it 3–1. The hosts reduced the deficit in the 74th minute when Umar Ayuba headed a corner onto the crossbar, with the ball appearing to cross the line before Okeke's late reaction. Kun Khalifat pushed for an equaliser, but Rangers remained dangerous on the counter and continued to put pressure on the hosts' defence. The result was finally put beyond doubt in the third minute of added time when Igwilo produced a stunning individual effort, weaving past five defenders before finding the back of the net with a goal worthy of being considered among the goals of the season. FULL TIME Kun Khalifat FC 2–4 Rangers International FC AS IT STANDS The victory moves Rangers International FC up to fifth position on the NPFL table with a game in hand, while Kun Khalifat FC remain 18th with two points from four matches. UP NEXT Rangers will return to the Dan Anyiam Stadium to host Ranchers Bees, while Kun Khalifat FC travel to Port Harcourt to face Rivers United FC.