Enugu Rangers have advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The Nigerian champions defeated AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties in Lomé on Friday. The game ended 1-1 after regulation time, leaving the aggregate score at 2-2, Bold Sports reports.
The Flying Antelopes entered the tie on the back of a mixed start to the new campaign. Rangers had drawn 1-1 with AS Sobemap in the first leg.
Rangers needed another strong display after failing to win the first leg. Chidozie Iwundu had given the Nigerian side the lead in Nigeria. Emmanuel Ali then restored parity for Sobemap after the break.
The second meeting followed a similar pattern. Neither team could find a decisive advantage during normal time. The 1-1 scoreline therefore sent the tie into a penalty shootout. Rangers handled the pressure better.
The Nigerian champions converted five penalties. Sobemap managed four. That narrow advantage proved enough to send Rangers through.
The result also prevents an early continental exit for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side. Rangers now have another opportunity to push towards the CAF Champions League group stage.
Rangers’ next opponent will come from the other first-round tie between MC Alger and ASN Nigelec. The two clubs played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Niamey. Their return fixture is scheduled for September 12.
That means Rangers must wait for the outcome before their next opponent becomes clear.
The Nigerian champions will need more attacking efficiency in the next round. Their two matches against Sobemap both ended 1-1 before the shootout settled the contest.
Rangers can, however, take confidence from their ability to handle pressure away from home. The penalty victory in Lomé showed composure when the qualification battle reached its decisive moment.
The Flying Antelopes entered the competition as Nigeria’s champions. They now have another chance to represent the country on Africa’s biggest club stage.
Their progress also gives Nigerian football a positive result in the opening round of continental competition.
Rangers will now prepare for another demanding test. Their experience against Sobemap should provide valuable lessons before the next stage.
The focus will now shift to their upcoming second-round opponent. Rangers have survived the first hurdle, but the road to the CAF Champions League group stage has only just begun.
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