- Nigerian champions Rangers FC secured a 2-1 aggregate win over US Zilimadjou
- Kenechukwu Agu’s penalty sealed progression for Rangers in the CAF Champions League
- The team will face either Saint Louis Suns United or Sagrada Esperança in the next round of the tournament
Rangers International Football Club has successfully booked its place in the next qualifying round of the CAF Champions League after edging out Comoros side US Zilimadjou with a narrow 2-1 aggregate victory.
The reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League needed to show important composure to progress, despite being held to a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo in the last game.
Coming into the match with a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg, the Flying Antelopes were widely expected to cruise through to the next round. However, the visitors from the Comoros Islands had different plans.
Determined to overturn the deficit, US Zilimadjou approached the game with positive intent, especially in the first half. Despite their vivid efforts, they failed to capitalise on the few chances they created.
This allowed Rangers to stay in the game, even though the Nigerian side struggled to find their rhythm throughout much of the match.
Rangers appeared disjointed and lacked the cohesion that they displayed in their earlier previous game.
The forward play was particularly underwhelming, with many of their attacking moves breaking down before they could pose a real threat to the opposition’s goal. Nevertheless, Saviour Isaac stood out as the only bright spot on the flank, consistently trying to drive his team forward and create opportunities.
The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute when substitute Ekeson Okorie was brought down in the penalty area. This moment of fortune provided Rangers with the chance they needed to secure the win.
Kenechukwu Agu stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home from the penalty spot, giving Rangers a crucial 1-0 lead on the day and a 2-0 advantage on aggregate.
Just when it seemed like Rangers would comfortably see out the match, US Zilimadjou struck back with an equaliser in the 85th minute. Youssouf Mohammed’s header found the back of the net, creating a tense and nervy finish to the game.
Despite the late pressure from the visitors, Rangers held firm, showing their grit and determination to secure the result they needed.
With this victory, Rangers International's journey in the CAF Champions League continues as they now look ahead to their next challenge.
They will face either Saint Louis Suns United of Seychelles or Sagrada Esperança of Angola in the next round, with the latter currently holding a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg of their tie.
Rangers will undoubtedly need to step up their game if they are to continue progressing in the competition.
CAF Champions League: Enugu Rangers return, Remo Stars face tough Moroccan test
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigerian league champions Rangers International and Remo Stars are set to compete in the CAF Champions League, while Enyimba and Elkanemi Warriors would represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Over the past two years, the CAF Executive had made substantial investments in African club football. The prize money for the CAF Champions League winners had been raised to $4,000,000, a significant increase from the $2,500,000 that Wydad Casablanca received for winning the 2022 final.
