By Sab Osuji

Fidelis Ilechukwu, Rangers Technical Adviser, has spoken highly of the quality of the NPFL Match Day 8 clash between his Coal City Flying Antelopes and their hosts, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Ilechukwu's traveling Antelopes snatched a late dramatic point from the Owena Whales in a 2-2 stalemate inside the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday.

And a visibly delighted Ilechukwu would hide no feelings, likening his side's efforts in rescuing a point to one going to he'll and dragging the devil out.

'The Working One', as the former MFM of Lagos, Heartland of Owerri and Plateau Utd gaffer is affectionately called by admirers, confessed that Sunshine Stars gave his side a tough game.

“It was a very difficult match against a quality side", Ilechukwu said to the media after the crunchy tie.  

He reckoned that Rangers never say die slogan pushed boys on till the final whistle.

"But as our slogan says, we never say die until the final whistle and I give my players kudos as we keep working on the areas of deficiency. 

"My defense gave away cheap goals but we keep working until we get it right.”

Rangers remain third in the standings with 14 points from eight matches and will welcome Katsina United in a match day 9 fixture at their Awka City Stadium adopted home ground.

Emmanuel Jonas exquisite strike in the second of the four minutes of added time restored parity for the Coal City Flying Antelopes who had looked like surrendering all three points to their hosts in the gritty clash.

Ilechukwu kept faith with the starting X1 that humbled Heartland 2-0 a week ago as Rangers raced to an early lead after former NPFL top-scorer, Godwin Obaje connected home an Isaac Saviour free kick after Kenneth Igboke was fouled by defender Ekerette Udom four minutes after kick off.

Seven minutes later, Kazeem Ogunleye came close to doubling Rangers advantage but his drive from 25 yards out missed target by inches.

The home side heeded Rangers warning and matched the throttle pedal harder. They were rewarded in the 13th mine when Ibrahim Yusuf fetched the equaliser for the adventurous Owena Whales after he was left unmarked by Rangers defenders with both sides going into the break on level terms.

Sunshine Stars went in front for the first time in the game in the 81st minute when Moses Omodumueke’s teasing shot found its way past a badly positioned Rangers keeper, Opubo.

 The stadium erupted in jubilation but Emmanuel Jonas has something in stock, scoring in the stoppage time to leave final scores at 2-2.