Rangers survive SOBEMAP scare as Rivers United await San Pedro test

Rangers International have survived a nervy CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie against AS SOBEMAP of the Benin Republic, edging the Beninese champions 5-4 on penalties after another 1-1 draw in the second leg at Stade de Kégué, Lomé, on Friday.

The result saw the Flying Antelopes progress to the second preliminary round after the two sides finished level at 2-2 on aggregate, following identical 1-1 draws in both legs.

Rangers had entered the decisive encounter knowing that anything short of victory would put their continental campaign in danger after they were held to a frustrating draw in the first leg at their temporary home in Abeokuta.

The Nigerian champions once again found themselves involved in a tightly contested encounter in Lomé, with neither side able to produce the decisive goal during regulation time.

With the aggregate score tied at 2-2, the contest had to be decided from the penalty spot.

Rangers showed greater composure when it mattered most, converting five of their penalties to edge the shootout 5-4 and book their place in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.

The qualification will come as a major relief for the Flying Antelopes, who had been left frustrated after failing to capitalise on their chances in the first leg.

Chidozie Iwundu had scored Rangers’ goal in the opening encounter in Abeokuta, but AS SOBEMAP responded to ensure the tie remained evenly balanced heading into the return fixture.

Despite another difficult evening in Lomé, Rangers held their nerve in the shootout to avoid what would have been an early continental exit.

The Enugu club will now turn their attention to the second preliminary round, where they are set to face either the Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec or Algerian giants MC Alger.

The two sides also played out a goalless draw in their first-leg meeting, leaving their own qualification battle finely poised ahead of the return fixture on Saturday.

For Rangers, Friday’s qualification represents an important step in their bid to reach the CAF Champions League group stage. Still, the challenge is set to become even tougher in the next round.

Rivers United still have work to do

While Rangers have secured their place in the next round, Nigeria’s other representative in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United, will have to wait until Sunday for their decisive second-leg encounter against FC San Pedro.

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The Port Harcourt club held San Pedro to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Côte d’Ivoire, putting themselves in a promising position ahead of the return fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Rivers United will therefore know that victory on home soil will be enough to send them into the second preliminary round. At the same time, another draw would leave the tie requiring a further means of separation.

Finidi George’s side will be hoping to make home advantage count as they attempt to join Rangers in the next stage and strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the competition.