Super Eagles stars Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ademola Lookman were involved in Leicester City’s goalless draw at home to PSV Eindhoven, while Calvin Bassey, Leon Balogun, and Joe Aribo were helpless as Rangers fell to a slim 1-0 loss to Braga.
Iheanacho started his second consecutive game for Leicester City when the Foxes welcomed Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarterfinal tie.
The Foxes had the home advantage, but they failed to use it. They looked threatening in the first half, bossing possession and trying to carve out the Red and Whites. However, they were unable to score.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers employed Iheanacho to lead the Foxes’ attack, but he was profligate on the night, recording just two wayward attempts.
He was hauled off in the 60th minute for compatriot Lookman. Nonetheless, Lookman could still not help his side break the deadlock. He had 21 touches in the game and attempted two dribbles, but he failed to test PSV goalie Yvon Mvogo.
PSV held the Foxes and saw out the goalless draw. Leicester City travel to the Netherlands for the second leg, and only a victory would see them through.
Meanwhile, it was a worse predicament for Rangers, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Braga in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal tie. Aribo did not start the game for the Gers.
Braga looked deadly from the start, they thought they had taken the lead in the 26th minute, but VAR ruled out Andre Horta’s goal for offside. However, they took the lead five minutes before the break.
The Gers regained their composure in the second half, with Balogun and Bassey holding their own in defense. Balogun won four of his six duels, and he also had one interception and three tackles. Hut he was take off on the hour mark for Borna Barisic.
Aribo was also introduced at the same time. Rangers saw more of the ball in the second half, but they could not create much in attack. Aribo had 12 touches, with an 89 percent pass accuracy. Nevertheless, he was helpless as the Gers fell to a 1-0 defeat.
The only way Rangers can avoid elimination is by winning the second leg by at least a two-goal margin.
This post was last modified on April 8, 2022 10:10 am