Just over a week after losing the Nigeria Premier Football League title to Rangers International on the final day of the season, Rivers United exacted revenge on the champions with a dramatic 3-2 victory in the Round of 32 of the President Federation Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The keenly contested encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo saw Rivers United race into a two-goal lead in the first half before Rangers fought back to level the scores.
However, the Pride of Rivers had the final say, with Handsome Surveyor heading home a late winner to seal their place in the next round.
Perhaps still hurting from losing the NPFL title to their opponents by just one point on the final day, Rivers United wasted little time in taking the lead through former league top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma, who headed home the opener.
Finidi George’s men doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute courtesy of Wisdom Samuel, taking a comfortable two-goal cushion into the break.
Rangers, however, mounted a spirited comeback after halftime. Godwin Obaje reduced the deficit from the penalty spot on the hour mark before Precious Agu levelled the scores two minutes later.
Second-half substitute Surveyor, who replaced Ubong Friday, proved to be the match-winner for Rivers United, restoring his side’s lead in stoppage time to prevent another heartbreak and keep alive their hopes of winning silverware this season.
For Rangers International, the defeat ends their hope of completing a domestic double as coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his boys will now take a break before preparing for their run in the CAF Champions League preliminaries next season.
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