DOLPHINS GRAB VITAL POINT IN ENUGU

Dolphins grabbed a point in Enugu after their encounter against Rangers International ended 1-1.

Dolphins went ahead in the 9th minute through Godbless Asamoah.

Oghogho Oduokpe got a pass from Isiaka Olawale and tried to shake off Okey Odita then shot from distance.

Rangers’ goalkeeper, Akor Itodo parried the ball onto the path of Asamoah who scored at his second time of asking.

On 22 minutes, Evans Iyoro sped past Festus Austin and was pulled down by the Dolphins captain who received a yellow card.

The resultant free kick was headed home by Iyoro for the equalizer.

Seven minutes later Ebitimi Agogu found space in the Rangers’ six yard box but shot the ball at Akor who gratefully punched clear.

Agogu was yellow carded a minute later for dissent.

Just before the half time break, Asamoah injured himself in a challenge with Okey Odita and was taken off for Israel Abia.

A minute into the 2nd half Festus Austin pulled down Rasaq Adegbite and was sent off for a second bookable offence and Ebitimi Agogu was sacrificed, with Cyril Oriaku coming in to shore up the defence.

Rasaq Adegbite had the best chance to win the game for Rangers in the 74th minute when he beat the Dolphins’ offside trap and chipped onrushing goalkeeper, Ayalogu.

Isiaka Olawale, Dolphin fc
Isiaka Olawale, Dolphin fc

As the ball sailed in, former Rangers captain, Cyril Oriaku headed off the line.

Rangers coach, Imama Amapakabor said after the game that a lot of things went wrong for his side.

“Psychologically, we were down, the players got panicky because we have gone three games without a win and when Dolphins went one man down, the players just could not hold the ball and resorted to playing the long balls.

“All these things were part of our problems on the day,” Imama Amapakabor said.

Dolphins’ captain, Festus Austin, regretted his sending off but said he was optimistic before the game that they will get the point.

“Before the game I was optimistic we will get a point and we did. We have spoken to ourselves as players and all we can say is that we will not be relegated at the end of the season,” Austin said.

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