CAF CL: Rangers progress after Sobemap scare

Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers International secured qualification for the next round of the CAF Champions League after overcoming Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties in Lomé, Togo, on Friday.

After last weekend’s 1-1 draw in Abeokuta, the Flying Antelopes settled for another 1-1 draw in regulation time in the Togolese capital, sending the second leg of their preliminary-round tie straight to a penalty shootout.

Despite Rangers missing their first kick, they kept their composure as their hosts faltered twice to seal victory and send the Nigerian champions through.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side will now turn their attention to the next round, where they are expected to face either Algerian giants MC Alger or ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic.

MC Alger were held to a goalless draw by Nigelec in the first leg last week and will hope to finish the job in the second leg on Saturday (today).

Rangers return to Africa’s premier club competition hoping to make an impact that reflects the continental history of the Enugu club, whose biggest African triumph remains their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup success.

The Flying Antelopes failed to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League the last time they featured in the preliminary round after winning the NPFL title in 2024.

They will now hope to go further this time as they continue their quest for a return to the elite stage of African club football.

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