An 80th-minute long-range shot from Kazeem Ogunleye secured a 1-0 victory for Enugu Rangers over Angola’s Sagrada Esperança in the first leg of their CAF Champions League group stage qualifying round, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Despite the win, the Flying Antelopes face a tough challenge ahead as they must avoid defeat in the return leg at the Estádio Sagrada Esperança on Sunday, September 22.
Rangers, reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions, have struggled with goal-scoring this season, managing only two goals in 180 minutes during the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League and failing to score in their lone NPFL match so far.
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In contrast, Sagrada Esperança has been more prolific, netting four goals in their preliminary round triumph over Seychelles’ Saint-Louis Suns United.
A successful qualification to the group stage would not only boost Rangers’ finances but also mark the first time in 42 years that the club has reached this milestone. Additionally, it would improve Nigeria’s CAF inter-club competition coefficient.
Fidelis Ilechukwu and his team have everything to fight for in the second leg in a fortnight.
