Enugu Rangers come back from the dead to clinch 2018 Aiteo Cup

Enugu Rangers staged the most remarkable comeback to clinch this year’s Aiteo Cup after they fought back from 3-0 down to win a penalty shooutout 4-2 against Kano Pillars in Asaba tonight.
It was their sixth cup triumph, but their first since 1983.

Rangers will thus represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.They also pocketed a cash prize of 25 million Naira.Pillars looked like they were cruising to their first-ever cup triumph when they led 3-0 by the 76th minute of this final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
However, Kevin Itoya’s screamer fom the top of the box beat goalkeeper David Obiozo for Rangers to get a glimmer of hope.
The Flying Antelopes’ made the game even more interesting in the 82nd minute, when Chidera Ezeh made it 3-2. In additional time, substitute Ajani Ibrahim’s brave diving header restored parity for Rangers at 3-3.
Former Pillars defender Isaac Loute completed the Rangers comeback when he put away the decisive penalty. Kano Pillars had taken the lead after five minutes after they had survived an early scare by Rangers.
Big striker Nwagua Nyima used his body to get into the box before he laid the ball for skipper Rabiu Ali to rifle home.

Pillars doubled their lead in the 20th minute, when Flying Eagles midfielder Alassan Ibrahim scored directly from the corner kick.

A third goal by Kano Pillars was cancelled in first half stoppage as television replays later showed the goal should have stood as Isaac Loute was the one who put the ball into his own net.
In between these goals, Pillars star striker Junior Lokosa missed two open chances, while Rangers had at least three chances to score from free kicks in dangerous positions, but they wasted them.