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Rangers Tame Rivers United

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Enugu Rangers, yesterday defeated Rivers United 1-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League game decided in Enugu.

Chinonso Eziekwe scored the lone goal shortly before half time

The goal on 39 minutes came off a devastating counter attack as United failed to make the most of a free kick won deep in the Rangers half moments earlier.

The Port Harcourt club stay in second place on the standings but are now four points off top spot after the leaders, Plateau United overcame Nasarawa United 2-1 in Jos.

United were distinctly second best against a Rangers team that could have won more handsomely if they had converted the plethora of chances that fell their way.

Rangers dominated the early exchanges but had to wait until the ninth minute for their first real goal-scoring opportunity.

It fell to Israel Abia who was teed up brilliantly by Eziekwe.

Abia struck hard enough from close range but saw his effort easily saved by the Rivers United goalkeeper, Drissa Bamba.

Two minutes later, United had a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Stephen Gopey raced into the Rangers box with poise and intent.

He however chose the wrong option of passing to Ogbonna Onuoha, who was in an offside position, rather than aim to score himself.

A minute later, the visitors came close again as Gopey shot into the side netting after brilliantly being set up by Esor.

Rangers then steadied the ship after the momentary blip and retook control of proceedings.

Two minutes before the 20-ninute mark, they (Rangers) came agonisingly close to putting their noses in front when Eziekwe just about failed to reach a teasing delivery from a set piece which Bamba made a futile attempt to punch away from the penalty area.

The slightest of touches from the Rangers man would have seen the United net bulge and the United goalkeeper would have been clearly culpable.

Assistant coach of Rangers International, Mangut Mbwas said: “We worked so hard and everything we did (worked out)”.

Rivers United have now amassed 42 points from 24 points and will next face Warri Wolves in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

SPORTS

Alcohol, Animals, Others prohibited inside AFCON 2025 Stadiums

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As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football has released a list of items prohibited across all tournament stadiums.

According to the guidelines cited on CAF’s website on Monday, the rules are aimed at ensuring fan safety throughout the competition.

Fans attending AFCON 2025 matches in Morocco will be subjected to security screening.

They are advised not to bring prohibited items into stadiums to ensure safety, order and a smooth match-day experience.

Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums:

Alcoholic beverages, Illegal substances and drugs, Weapons and sharp objects, Fireworks and pyrotechnics, Glass bottles or containers, Flammable materials, Racist, violent or discriminatory banners, Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs, Drones and animals, Large umbrellas and oversized hats, Professional cameras and recording equipment, Musical instruments and loud horns, Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones) and Heavy or large bags.

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SPORTS

Man City Still Work in Progress –Guardiola

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that the team are still a work in progress following his expensive overhaul of the squad since last season.

The Spanish tactician made this known after the Citizens thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 in Sunday’s Premier League game.

In a chat with the club’s website, Guardiola stated that the team are in a better position than last season.

“Many things we have to improve.

Madrid gave me a lot of things, that still we are not ready, not in mentality but in how to approach certain games. They are young some of the players. But 3-0 here is a big statement for us.

“When you win in the past, you believe the past was perfect, always brilliant, always the red carpet.

When we won with 100 points, all the things we achieved, we had a lot of games like today. The resilience was part of that.

“There are moments that you struggle. Madrid was not the perfect game, but it was a step. We fought unbelievably to achieve that.

“We are in a better position than last season. We are close in the competitions we are in.”

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SPORTS

Palmer out for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Quarter-final, Says Maresca

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Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer will not feature in the Blues’ Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.

The match is set for Tuesday at 8 pm in the Welsh capital, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Palmer recently returned to action after a spell out with groin and toe injuries and scored in Chelsea’s weekend victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

However, Maresca, in his press conference on Monday, explained that the young forward is being carefully managed to avoid overexertion.

“I’ve already said many times in press conferences that we have many players who need to be protected. Cole is one of the players who deserves to be protected right now.

In this moment, he’s not available to play two games in three days. So, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game, but should be fine for the weekend,” Maresca said.

The Chelsea coach also praised Cardiff City and their manager, Brian Murphy, highlighting the challenge the Blues will face:

“They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. I know Brian and know he is doing a good job. This will be a dangerous game for us, and we need to pay attention and be careful tomorrow. We have the opportunity to achieve something important, which is to reach the semi-final of this competition.”

Chelsea will hope to progress to the last four while keeping key players fresh for the Premier League schedule.

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