NPFL: Rangers Strike Late to Draw Bendel Insurance In Benin
Rangers International scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 17 game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The first half ended goalless, with Rangers struggling to break down a well-organised Insurance defence despite arriving as the fourth-placed team on the table.
Bendel Insurance took the lead in the 81st minute through Kayode Oke. The forward broke away from the Rangers defence, saw his first effort blocked, but quickly recovered to send in a cross that Promise Anyanwu finished to put the hosts ahead.
Insurance appeared set for a second straight home win over the Flying Antelopes, but Rangers equalised deep into stoppage time. Chidozie Iwundu’s free kick in the 93rd minute was deflected into the net for an own goal, giving the visitors a dramatic late point.
The result means Insurance have recorded just one win in their last six NPFL meetings with Rangers, with two draws and four defeats. They remain 14th on the table with 20 points and missed the chance to record back-to-back home wins, although they are unbeaten in their last five matches.
Rangers, who had failed to score in their previous two visits to Benin City, earned their fifth away point of the season from one win and two draws. The eight-time champions remain fourth on 26 points, with the rest of the matchday 17 games to be played on Sunday.
Rangers will next host Ikorodu City at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, while Bendel Insurance will travel to Abeokuta to face defending champions Remo Stars in matchday 18 next week.
