FN Rangers are one point away from a place in the semi-final after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Mpheni Home Defenders in their opening match of the ABC Motsepe Playoffs in the Dicky Molixi Stadium in Upington.
More importantly, coach Arreshaat Daniels’ side is now one step closer to promotion to the National First Division after their class and quality were just way too much for Defenders who did their name an injustice.
Rangers only require a draw against Njampela FC who drew their first match against Defenders which will ensure they finish on top of their group and progress to the last four.
A brace from Giovanni Philander (pictured), Darron Omaticus (pen) and Morné Bennett ensured that Rangers are still very much on course for promotion.
If it wasn’t for Omaticus, who squandered a couple of chances, it could have been a bigger scoreline – but a job well done nonetheless.
Rangers were quick out of the blocks when Omaticus slotted home a penalty as early as the second minute which helped settle the nerves.
Subsequently, Rangers were in full control in the first half already with some fine attacking wing play, especially on the right.
Needless to say, Philander’s link-up play with Jaydan Frans on the left was equally good. Overall, Philander, who was previously on Mamelodi Sundowns’ books, was just on fire with his dazzling runs and trickery.
Philander’s eye for goals was rewarded halfway through the first half when he pounced on a poor clearance from Defenders’ goalie who strayed out of his goalposts with Philander effortlessly slotting home the ball into an empty net to double their scoreline.
The experienced Morne Bennett extended Rangers’ lead immediately after halftime from close range.
Who else but ‘Gio’, as Philander is known, had the last say when he bagged the fourth just before the final whistle.
Don’t be surprised if Philander gets snapped up by more influential clubs after the playoffs.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CONRAY SWAIL
