Rivers United surrendered two points in their Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 34 in Awka on Saturday afternoon after a goalless draw against Rangers International.
Rivers United head coach – Stanley Eguma kept faith with 9 players from the win over Abia Warriors last weekend.
Fabian Nworie made a return after suspension while George Akpabio gets a start, while Ndasi Kadiang Denis’ place was taken by Solomon Oluruket on the bench.
The League leaders started on a strong footing and Akuneto came close to giving them the lead just early in to the game but his effort came off the post.
Akuneto comes close to opening the scoring for the visitors five minutes into the game as an inviting cross from Kazie Enyinnaya meets the attacker whose attempt hits the post from good position.
The home side should have grabbed the lead 21 minutes into the game as Christian Nnaji sets up his strike partner, Israel Abia but his pile driver narrowly missed the mark.
The home side should have found back of the net four minutes before the interval but Nnaji missed the sitter.
Israel Abia sets up his strike partner, Christian Nnaji who could not beat Darlington Ovunda at the near post despite having the chance for an easy tap in.
The home side came out stronger in the second part of the game, and barely nine minutes into, they grabbed the lead.
Bala Akintunde’s shot finds the back of the net but the referee rules it out for offside to the dissatisfaction of the home fans.
Rangers coach introduced Agu and Effiong into the game and it sparked the team into life in the match with the Flying Antelopes more mobile in their attacking forays as they continue in search of the first goal.
With time fading out in Awka, Eso Archibong of Rangers goes for a long range effort in 82nd minute when he had other easier and better route to take and misfired.
Three minutes to stoppage time, Rivers United goalie – Darlington Ovunda parries a goal-bound effort by Chidiebere Nwobodo to safety at the last moment to the surprise of the home fans who thought they had taken a late minute lead.
After four minutes of additional time, the visiting team pulled a resolute defending to see off the game as it ended 0-0 at the final whistle.
The Pride of Rivers answered all questions posed to them by Rangers with Kazie Enyinnaya, Ebube Duru and Morice Chukwu in awesome form.