Rangers International saw their President Federation Cup hopes dashed after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kwara United, courtesy of a second-half blunder that gifted the Ilorin side the winner in a tense semi-final clash at the Mobolaji Johnson arena, Onikan Lagos.
It was Kwara United who made the brighter start, with Ibrahim testing Rangers goalkeeper Divine in just the 8th minute—forcing an early save that signalled their attacking intent.
Rangers responded swiftly. In the 10th minute, Evans delivered a teasing corner that found Ejike in the box, but his header lacked power and failed to trouble Surajo Ayeleso between the sticks.
Top scorer Isaac Saviour nearly broke the deadlock for Rangers in the 13th minute, skipping past a defender and unleashing a powerful strike from 25 yards, only to see it whistle past the post.
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Okorie followed up with a fierce half-volley that rattled Ayeleso’s gloves.
At the other end, Kwara continued to ask questions. Shola Raheem tried his luck from range in the 23rd minute, but Rangers keeper Divine was alert and guided it wide.
Isaac Saviour remained Rangers’ most dangerous outlet, winning a free-kick from the left corner of the box—but his curling effort failed to find the target.
The turning point came midway through the second half. A disastrous breakdown in communication between goalkeeper Divine and central defender Austin Opara left Junior bearing down on an open goal.
Unselfishly, he squared the ball to Wasiu Aladade, who calmly tapped in what proved to be the winning goal.
Rangers had a golden opportunity to equalise late on after a Silas strike was parried into the path of Obaje, but with the goal gaping, he somehow failed to convert
In the final minutes, Rangers had a golden opportunity to equalise when Igwilo broke through after Kwara United centre-back Jimoh Gbadamosi miscontrolled the ball.
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He failed to convert, despite what seemed like contact from the goalkeeper. The referee, however, waved away appeals for a penalty and instead awarded a corner kick.
In the day’s other semi-final, Nigeria National League newcomers Abakaliki FC held Ikorodu City to a goalless draw before holding their nerve in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win.
The underdogs from Ebonyi State continue their stunning debut campaign and will now face Kwara United in a tantalising Federation Cup final.
