CAF Competitions: Rangers Held, El-Kanemi Warriors Flourish on Sunday
Nigerian clubs recorded contrasting results in the CAF inter-club competitions on Sunday, with Rangers International held to a 1-1 draw by AS SOBEMAP while El-Kanemi Warriors secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over UDIB.
Rangers Held by SOBEMAP in Abeokuta
Rangers International were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AS SOBEMAP of Benin Republic in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
The Nigerian champions took the lead through defender Chidozie, who continued his impressive goalscoring run from the back to give the Flying Antelopes the advantage.
However, AS SOBEMAP fought back and Emmanuel Ali restored parity for the visitors, leaving Rangers frustrated after failing to convert their home advantage into a first-leg victory.
The result means Rangers will need to win the return leg in Benin Republic to secure their passage into the next round.
Rangers are playing their continental home matches in Abeokuta due to the ongoing renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The second leg is scheduled for September 11, with coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his players facing a crucial test away from home.
El-Kanemi Warriors Flourish Against UDIB
Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors enjoyed a much better outing in the CAF Confederation Cup, defeating União Desportiva Internacional de Bissau (UDIB) 3-0 in Ikenne.
The Maiduguri-based side produced a dominant second-half display after both teams went into the interval goalless.
El-Kanemi eventually broke the deadlock after the restart before adding two more goals to complete a convincing victory.
The 3-0 scoreline gives the Nigerian side a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg in Bissau next week.
El-Kanemi Warriors will now aim to protect their three-goal cushion on the road and secure qualification for the next stage of the competition.
While Rangers face a difficult battle in Benin Republic, El-Kanemi Warriors have put themselves in a strong position to progress, leaving Nigeria with mixed fortunes in Sunday’s CAF assignments.
