Enugu Rangers Win 2018 Aiteo Cup, Beat Kano Pillars 4 – 2 In A Dramatic Comeback

Enugu Rangers beat Kano Pillars 4-2 on penalties, after a 3-3 draw at full time in the final of the 2018 Aiteo Cup played on Wednesday, October 24.

The game played at the 25,000 capacity Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta state started at a high tempo with Kano Pillars taking the lead as early as the fifth minute when veteran Rabiu Ali fired in a ball through pass from Nwagua into the net.

Rangers goalkeeper Femi Thomas pushed in an own goal from Ibrahim Alassan’s corner kick in the 20th minute for Kano Pillars second goal.

The first half ended 2-0 in favor of Kano Pillars as Rangers went into the halftime break with a mountain to climb.

Two goals became three at the start of the second half as Nyima Nwagua scored the third for Kano Pillars just after resumption.

Kelvin Itoya gave Rangers some hope when he scored screamer in the 77th minute. Chidera Ezeh gave the Flying Antelopes a lifeline when he scored the second goal for Rangers in the 82nd minute.

Ajani Ibrahim produced an unbelievable effort to level the scores and send the game to penalties after additional time.

The game went to penalties and Enugu Rangers completed a comeback to win the penalty shootout 4-2 after Rabiu Ali failed to score the first spot kick.