In a disappointing turn of events for their fans, Rangers International fell to a 2-0 defeat against struggling Heartland FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 33 clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Despite a strong home crowd rallying behind them, the Flying Antelopes were outplayed by a determined Heartland side fighting to escape relegation.
The visitors struck first in the 20th minute through Surajudeen Lawal, silencing the home supporters. Rangers pushed for an equalizer but were dealt another blow just two minutes into the second half when Nassir Isaac doubled Heartland’s lead, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.
Heartland’s Technical Adviser, Emmanuel Amunike, expressed satisfaction with the result, crediting his team’s determination. “We knew what was at stake, and the players gave everything to secure this important win,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ Chief Coach, Kenechukwu Ekeh, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, vowing to address their weaknesses. “We’ve seen where things went wrong, and we’ll go back to strengthen the team,”he stated.
The defeat leaves Rangers with much to ponder as the league season approaches its climax, while Heartland’s survival hopes receive a major boost.
