BY SAB OSUJI

Hamza Abara, Niger Tornadoes Technical Adviser, says the early goal his team conceded in Sunday's NPFL matchday three clash at Awka City Stadium was reason they surrendered all the points to their hosts, Rangers, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

"The early goal we conceded was demoralizing, but we were able to come back in the second half stronger", Abara told reporters moments after the final whistle.

Joel Odoh planted his headed effort across the line despite goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo's stretched left hand that pulled the out. But the first Assistant referee was correctly certain the ball had clearly crossed the line.

After the goal, Abara overhauled his tactical approach but his side fell further down when Godwin Obaje doubled Rangers lead to 2-0 late into the first period.

Tornadoes came alive in the second half, matching Rangers skill for skill, grit to grit with Bashir Usman reducing the deficit in the 54th minute with rising strike after Rangers goalkeeper spilled an earlier effort.

The thrilling clash appeared the best so far rendered at the Awka City Stadium so far this term and Abara believes the quality of game put on show by the two sides highlights the striking similarities in his coaching philosophy with his Rangers counterpart, Fidelis Ilechukwu.

"Of course, Fidelis Ilechukwu and I know each other inside out and that reflected on the game just like you all saw", he said.

"He knows me and I also know him and that's why the game was balanced".

Tornadoes will welcome Bayelsa Utd in a Match Day four clash this weekend.