Nigeria Professional Football League champions Rangers International have advanced to the second round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties in Lomé, Trybal News reports.
The Flying Antelopes secured qualification after the second leg ended 1-1, leaving the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate following the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Abeokuta on September 6. Rangers eventually held their nerve from the spot to win the shootout 5-4 and progress 6-5 on aggregate.
The Enugu-based side had taken the lead in the opening leg through Chidozie Iwundu, but Emmanuel Ali equalised shortly after the restart to give Sobemap a valuable result ahead of the return fixture.
The second leg again proved a closely contested affair, with neither side able to find the decisive goal during regulation time. With the aggregate score still level, the tie went straight to penalties.
Rangers showed composure under pressure, converting enough of their spot-kicks to eliminate the Benin champions and keep their continental campaign alive.
The victory is a significant boost for the Nigerian champions, who are representing the country in Africa’s premier club competition after winning the NPFL title.
Rangers will now face a considerably tougher test in the second round, with Algerian giants MC Alger expected to provide the next challenge.
The Flying Antelopes will need to improve their attacking efficiency and maintain defensive discipline if they are to overcome the Algerian champions and move closer to the CAF Champions League group stage.
