Rangers International FC Advance to CAF Champions League Second Round After Tense Draw
Reigning Nigerian league champions, Rangers International FC, have advanced to the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/2025 with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Comoros Islands champions, U.S. de Zilimadjou.
In the second leg of the first preliminary round, held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the ‘Flying Antelopes’ managed a 1-1 draw against their resilient opponents from the small island nation.
The match began with both sides struggling to find the back of the net in the first half, despite Rangers creating several scoring opportunities. Seeking a breakthrough, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu made key substitutions, introducing Ekeson Okorie and Bashir Usman early in the second half.
The tactical changes paid off when Ekeson Okorie’s run into the box led to a penalty, which Kenechukwu Agu confidently converted in the 79th minute, sending the home crowd into a euphoric celebration. However, Rangers’ joy was short-lived as Youssouf Mohamed equalized for the Comoros side just four minutes before the final whistle, heading in a cross that caught the Rangers’ defense off guard.
Frank Uwumiro of Rangers is challenged by Assoumani Abdou of Zilimadjou
Despite the draw, Rangers advanced to the next round, where they will face either St. Louis FC of Seychelles or Sagrada Esperança FC of Angola, with the Angolan team holding a 1-0 advantage from their first leg encounter.
Reflecting on the match, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu expressed mixed feelings: “We are pleased to have qualified for the next round, but it’s clear we didn’t play our best today. Football is unpredictable, and our conversion rate is concerning. However, I am confident we can address these issues before the next registration window. The start of the new league season should help us find our rhythm.”
Rangers’ captain, Chinemerem Ugwueze, acknowledged the team’s challenges but remained optimistic: “It was a tough match, but we held our ground and secured our place in the next round. This is a young, developing team, and blending will take time. We are grateful to our supporters, and we aim to make them proud in the coming matches.”
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