Europa Conference League: Kelechi Iheanacho Shines In Leicester Victory
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Leicester City claimed a 2-0 victory against French side Rennes during their Europa Conference League first leg encounter at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester were without Jamie Vardy, with Patson Daka starting in the former England international’s place supported by Marc Albrighton and Harvey Barnes.
The hosts took the lead when Albrighton fired home Barnes’ cutback from the edge of the box in the 30th minute, following Caglar Soyuncu’s defence-splitting pass over the Rennes defence.
Rennes created a few chances after some poor defending from Leicester. First, Martin Terrier saw a shot well-blocked by Daniel Amartey, before winger Benjamin Bourigeaud fired wide from inside the box.
Rennes improved in the second half as they saw two separate shouts for a penalty waved away early in the half. Both James Justin and Soyuncu were accused of using their hands to defend a free-kick.
However, Iheanacho’s curling effort in stoppage time was enough for Brenden Rodgers’ men to get a fourth straight victory in all competitions and a first clean sheet in the competition.
“We’re very strong now defensively,” said Nigerian international Iheanacho. “We’ve got clean sheets now. And we need to keep that going.
“Coming in and securing the 1-0 at half time – we’re happy doing that and we’ve got that security now.”
Leicester will next travel to the Emirates stadium to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
Europa Conference league results
PAOK FC 1-0 Gent
Partizan Beograd 2-5 Feyenoord
Slavia Prague 4-1 LASK
Vitesse 0-1 Roma
Bodoe/Glimt 2-1 AZ Alkmaar
Leicester City 2-0 Rennes
Marseille 2-1 Basel
PSV Eindhoven 4-4 FC Copenhagen
Chidi Nwoke/Europa League.
