IWUNDU'S BRACE INSPIRES DRAMATIC DERBY WIN FOR THE FLYING ANTELOPES.

The Oriental Derby between new boys Kun Khalifat FC and Rangers International FC lived up to expectations, producing a thrilling contest filled with intensity, resilience, and late drama

The Oriental Derby between new boys Kun Khalifat FC and Rangers International FC lived up to expectations, producing a thrilling contest filled with intensity, resilience, and late drama. FIRST HALF: ANTELOPES STRIKE Both teams approached the game with purpose and urgency, but Rangers International FC enjoyed greater control of possession in the opening 15 minutes, asserting dominance in midfield and dictating the tempo. The Flying Antelopes came close to an early breakthrough in the 5th minute when a well-timed cross found Godwin Obaje inside the box, but his header failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Kun Khalifat FC gradually settled into the game and began to test the Rangers defence. Their pressure almost paid off in the 22nd minute when Nnorom Mmesoma beat his marker inside the area and unleashed a shot that narrowly missed the target. Rangers goalkeeper Abine George was in inspired form, pulling off two excellent saves in the 35th and 37th minutes to keep the scores level. Just when the hosts seemed set to go into the break on level terms, Rangers found the opener in first-half stoppage time. In the 45+1 minute, debutant Anthony Chinemerem delivered a teasing cross into the box. Ikechukwu Mgbemena’s effort was parried by Kun Khalifat goalkeeper Nsikak, and Chidozie Iwundu reacted quickest to turn the rebound into the net, handing the Flying Antelopes a deserved lead at the interval. SECOND HALF: DERBY DRAMA Rangers emerged for the second half with confidence, creating more chances as they searched for a second goal. Kun Khalifat FC relied heavily on set pieces and dead-ball situations in their bid to get back into the game, but the experience of Ikwu Ejike and the composure of Chidozie Iwundu helped Rangers maintain their advantage. Substitute Wisdom Ebirim went close in the 57th minute, but his effort drifted wide. The hosts eventually found an equaliser in the 87th minute when substitute Kelechi Victor delivered a dangerous cross which James Ekebuike met with a towering header to beat Abine George. With momentum on their side, Kun Khalifat FC pressed forward in search of a winner, but Rangers showed grit and determination to withstand the pressure. Deep into stoppage time, Rangers delivered the decisive blow. In the 96th minute, Chidozie Iwundu stepped up and curled a sublime free kick into the bottom left corner, stunning the home fans and sealing a dramatic derby victory. Iwundu’s brace took his tally for the season to seven goals, leaving him just one strike behind the league’s top scorer and confirming his status as the highest-scoring defender in the NPFL. AS IT STANDS Rangers International FC sit 5th on the log with 33 points Kun Khalifat FC remain bottom with 18 points UP NEXT Rangers International FC will host Warri Wolves on Sunday, while Kun Khalifat FC travel to Ikenne to face defending champions Remo Stars.