Plateau Utd, Rangers FA Cup Game Like Final -Ilechukwu

Plateau Utd, Rangers FA Cup Game Like Final -Ilechukwu

Ibraheem Lateef

Plateau United looks set to take a huge step toward winning a major trophy this season, but they have a Rangers hurdle to cross on Thursday in one of the semi-finals of the Federation Cup, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The blockbuster fixture between the Nigeria Premier Football League top guns takes place at the Otunba Dipo Dino Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Fidelis Ilechukwu has tagged the match as tough and expects an explosive encounter with both teams hoping to unleash their arsenals on themselves, with a target to play either Bendel Insurance or Warri Wolves in the grand finale.

The 'Working One', and his Plateau United squad stormed Ijebu-Ode on Monday evening, 24 hours after they edged Kwara United in a quarter-final fixture played at the FIFA Go Project Pitch in Abuja on Sunday.

"We have had a tough season, as we missed out by whiskers for a place in the NPFL Super 6, the Federation Cup is a good chance for the team to redeem itself and make the fans smile," Ilechukwu said.

"I expect a tough duel from Rangers, as they have won it six times while Plateau United have scooped the FA Cup title once, so pundits would perhaps rate us the underdogs.

"Having come this far shows the quality in both teams but not playing each other in the NPFL this season, owing to the abridged format, might be a key factor in the game.

"I'm expecting my matchday squad to give their hundred percent, as at this stage of the Federation Cup, only the best gets to the final."