The match started off with a bang as Eastern United's three-prong attack of Uzo Anukam, Galidore Ngapeth and Richard Hutchinson, anchored by Romeo Ngoti, took the action to the Rangers defense after strongman Edwin Ebai suffered a groin injury in the games opening minute, forcing him to miss the rest of the game. Rangers' strategy in the back was seemless as Ike Akamike stepped into the sweeper role, however, their midfield suffered from his absence and Eastern took control of the game. Newly crowned NSL scoring record holder, Uzo Anukam (12 goals, 1 goal playoffs) found himself free at the top of the Rangers' penalty box and calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, skipper Emeka Igwe, in the 20th minute to open up the scoring, 1-0, to the delight of the over flowing crowd at Colmar Manor Ballfields.

 

Down a goal, Rangers' awoke from their slumber and reorganized their attack inserting Mohammed Sessay into the midfield and they started to put pressure on Eastern's defense. In the 36th minute, Rangers' found the equalizer in one of the most spectacular goals in NSL championship history when King Smith took a seemingly harmless ball just outside his penalty box following a corner kick and started a one man counter attack down the left wing, beating two defenders, and fending off a third at the other end before unleashing a ferocious shot that violently rattled United's net. It was a stunning goal that had the crowd still buzzing as both teams entered the half tied, 1-1.

 

Despite a heavy downpour, the Colmar faithful braved the weather and were treated to a wonderful display of end to end soccer action as both teams went in search of the go ahead goal, in the second half. Rangers' had the first chance in the 54th minute when Mohammed Tarawalli missed a sitter, blasting the ball over the bar. Leroy Oligie found himself in a similar situation a minute later but Easterns' Ibekwe Anya saved his team from going down. That is when Eastern had seen enough and Galidore Ngapeth took matters into his own hands during the next five minute stretch forcing two spectacular saves from Igwe during that span. Tarawalli was at it again in the 73rd minute but watched Anya foil his attempt as the pace continued to increase. In addition, Chris Nwaeze was brilliant in the middle of Easterns' defense on a couple of breathtaking defensive moments to keep his squad in the game.

 

Unfortunately, as the game was winding down, Eastern United's defense was doomed by an unspeakable defensive error by the usually reliable Segun Owolabi when he literally gave the ball to Rangers' mecurial playmaker, Leroy Oligie, who dummied two defenders and methodically blasted a grounder past the defenseless Anya, giving Rangers' a precious 2-1 lead in the 76th minute, leaving a dispondent Eastern United team down a goal. Rangers' added an insurance goal in the 84th minute when second half substitute, Samuel Osagie, dispossessed Nwaeze and deftly wrong-footed Anya, from eight yards out, for an insurmountable 3-1 lead and the hard earned victory.

 

Rangers' completed a remarkable feat in collecting all three available trophies this season, adding their sixth Nzenwa Cup in seven seasons and remain undefeated in championship games. The Rangers' legend is indisputable and calling them a dynasty is now a complete understatement as they have obliterated all competition, year after year. Notwithstanding, Rangers' have successfully defended their NSL crown for three straight years for the second time, a feat that may never again be duplicated. The only thing left for Rangers' is to see if they can make it four in a row.

 

The remaining eight teams will go back to the drawing board and revamp their strategy after watching Rangers' lead the tables from start to finish, for the second year in a row and the team is looking like they are prime to stay that way for awhile.