Enugu Rangers have emerged champions of this year’s AITEO Cup courtesy of their 5-4 penalty kick win over Kano Pillars at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State on Wednesday.
Pillars started the game on a bright note with captain Rabiu Ali putting them ahead in the fifth minute after nice work from striker Nyima Nwagua.
Ten minutes later, Alhassan Ibrahim increased the tally for the Kano-based team after his well executed corner kick wrong footed goalkeeper Olufemi Thomas to the net.
Minutes into the second half, Pillars’ forward Nwagua got the goal his performance deserve after knocking Okey Odita off the ball to rifle home the third goal on the night.
Rangers responded by taking off goalkeeper Thomas with Nana Bonsu taking his place but it was another substitute Kelvin Itoya who sparked what ended up as a late rally with a well struck effort to bring scores to 3-1.
Chidera Ezeh lashed in another goal for the Flying Antelopes to bring scores to 3-2 and as expected, a frenetic end to the game was next with Pillars rattled by the fight as Rangers pushed for a third.
Two minutes from regulation time, the comeback was completed as Ibrahim Ajani nodded home the third for Rangers.
Rabiu Ali and Ola Jimoh missed from the spots during shootouts, while Enugu Rangers were spot on with all their efforts from the spots to emerge as champions.
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