Rangers International FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Benin Republic champions Sobemap FC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Trybal News reports.
The Nigerian champions made the stronger start and took a deserved lead in the 17th minute through defender Chidozie Nwundu, who reacted sharply to a loose ball following a scramble inside the Sobemap penalty area before firing home.
Rangers maintained their advantage through the remainder of the first half and appeared set to carry a narrow lead into the second leg.
However, the Flying Antelopes were punished for a lapse in concentration almost immediately after the restart. Sobemap struck just 40 seconds into the second half to level the contest and put the Nigerian side under renewed pressure.
Rangers responded by stepping up their search for a second goal, controlling much of the possession and territory as the match progressed. Their dominance, however, failed to produce the breakthrough they needed, with Sobemap also posing a threat whenever they broke forward.
The draw leaves the two-legged contest finely poised, with Rangers now facing the difficult task of securing a positive result in the return fixture to keep their continental campaign on course.
The Enugu-based side will need to improve their attacking efficiency and maintain greater concentration if they are to overcome the Beninese champions and advance to the next stage of the CAF Champions League.
