Gombe United captain, Alhaji Kwairanga, is confident his side can avenge the 2-0 home defeat suffered earlier in the season to Kwara United when both sides meet this weekend in Ilorin.

The defensive midfielder told SuperSport.com that they have put in extra effort in their preparations to ensure they do not leave the Kwara Sports Complex empty handed.

"Kwara surprised us in our first meeting when they beat us 2-0, and we have been waiting for the reverse fixture ever since to exact revenge," he said.

"They are no doubt a good side and deserved the victory, but they are going to meet a different Gombe United this time.

"Segun (Alebiosu) scored both their goals from distance, but it won't be easy for him again as we have taken note of our mistakes and have really prepared hard to spring our own surprise there."

That loss in Week 9, coupled with two earlier straight away defeats to Dolphins and Enyimba ensured the Desert Scorpions slipped down the table after a bright start, but Kwairanga insists they are now back on track for a top four finish.

"It is also important that we beat them (Kwara) because even though we are placed seventh, we are just a point behind Pillars in third place and a win will surely take us into the top four," he reasoned.

"We promised our Governor we were going to deliver a continental ticket, and we are determined to keep our word."

Kwairanga however was refreshingly honest in conceding the title to Rangers.

"Anything can happen in football, but Rangers have really played well and for me they have all it takes to win the title," he told SuperSport.com.

"Having played against all the teams at least once, I reckon they have been the best so far this season."