Enugu Ranger goalkeeper frustrates Kotoko

Enugu Rangers second choice goalkeeper, Segun Oluwaniyi, on Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, ensured that his Nigerian side dethroned Ghana's Ashanti Kotoko from their leadership of Group A in the Confederations Cup. The tall goalkeeper, selected ahead of first choice and team captain, Sam Okoye, by Coach Lawrence Akpokona became the hero of the day in a match that was to decide the fate of both sides in the competition. Oluwaniyi began his heroic acts in the first minute when he punctured a goal-bound move by Kotoko and continued till the last minute. Rangers regained possesion after Kotoko's initial control and this paid off with a beautiful goal by Ighote Otegheri in the 19th minute. Two minutes later, substitute Ugochukwu Okeke scored his fifth goal of the competition after a combination with Prince Omoh inside the Ghanaian box. Ghanaian international, Charles Taylor rose up to the occasion to justify his inclusion with a perfect hit from close range to reduce the tally in the 74th minute of the tension soaked encounter. The goal brought out the best of Kotoko who tried to level up, but Oluwaniyi ensured that the scoreline remained unchanged. The trio of Otegheri, Ebenezer Ojo and Omoh created several chances, but poor marksmanship on their part prevented the visitors from conceding more goals. Speaking after the match, Oluwaniyi, who was on the bench when both sides met in Kumasi told www.ghanaweb.com that he put up a good encounter because he had a score to settle with Kotoko. "I was ready for them considering the manner in which they robbed us in Kumasi. I must thank God for giving me the courage. Moreover, a win was all we wanted today," he said. Rangers would play their last match in the series against Petro Athletico in Luanda, while Kotoko would host Sudan's Al-Hilal in Kumasi. In Khartoum: Al Hilal (Sudan) 1 Petro Atletico (Angola) 0 GROUP A: P W D L GF GA Pts Enugu Rangers (NIG) 5 3 0 2 12 6 9 Al Hilal (SUD) 5 3 0 2 6 8 9 Asante Kotoko (GHA) 5 2 1 2 7 7 7 Petro Atletico (ANG) 5 1 1 3 5 9 4
30/10/04 Enugu Rangers 2-1 Asante Kotoko Al Hilal v Petro Atletico 13/11/04 Asante Kotoko v Al Hilal Petro Atletico v Enugu Rangers