Leke James Stars In Molde’s Thriller In Austria; Aribo, Balogun Powers Rangers To The Top

The three Nigerian stars were actively involved as their respective clubs book their places in the Europa League’s knockout stage on Wednesday evening.

Molde nearly claimed a fantastic victory in Austria against Rapid Wien but a late goal salvaged a 2-2 draw for the hosts with forward Leke James instrumental to that satisfactory Molde performance.

The Nigerian attacker gave the final pass, which Magnus Eikrem converted inside the first 12 minutes to give the visitors the lead inside the Allianz Stadion.

An exciting game saw chances pop up at either end, but it was Ritzmaier who got on the score sheet just before halftime to equalise for the home side.

Eikrem, though, fired home his second of the evening moments after the break to hand coach Erling Moe’s side the lead again as they search for the points needed to guarantee the second spot in Group B behind leaders Arsenal.

A 90th-minute Melih Ibrahimoglu goal brought the match back on levelled terms, but Molde held on bravely to earn the qualification ticket that their display deserved. 

Meanwhile, in Poland, Joe Aribo saw every second of action. At the same time, compatriot Leon Balogun logged 81 minutes as Rangers secured the top spot in Group D with an excellent 2-0 win over Lech Poznań.

The Gers knew they only needed to match the result of Benfica’s match up with Standard Liege in Belgium to stay at the summit of their group, and Steven Gerrard’s men got the job done without really getting out of first gear.

Goals from Cedric Citten and Ianis Hagi on either side of the interval earned Rangers their fourth win of the group stage, ensuring that they remain unbeaten in Europe this season.