Enugu Rangers took a big step in the direction of the CAF Champions League group stage with a 1-0 victory over Angola’s Sagrada Esperanca, because of a surprising strike from Kazeem Ogunleye, Soccernet.ng reviews.
The primary-leg encounter of the ultimate preliminary spherical came about on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo, the place Rangers had been in a position to edge out a resilient Sagrada facet.
Two video games for the day. 👇#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/qifsx3sJNb
— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) September 13, 2024
Having already navigated previous Comoros’ US Zilimadjou within the earlier spherical, Rangers entered this tie stuffed with confidence.
The Nigerian champions gained 1-0 away within the first leg and adopted it up with a 1-1 draw at dwelling to progress.
Nonetheless, Sagrada Esperanca, the champions of Angola, additionally arrived in Nigeria in robust kind.
They’d dominated Seychelles’ St Louis Suns United, profitable each legs for a powerful 4-0 combination victory within the earlier spherical.
Sagrada proved to be a tricky opponent, irritating Rangers’ attacking efforts with strong defending all through the match.
For giant durations, the Angolan facet appeared poised to safe a invaluable away draw. However within the eightieth minute, Kazeem Ogunleye broke the impasse with a second of particular person brilliance.
🚨Kazeem Ogunleye scores off the bench to offer Rangers Intl a 1-0 lead in opposition to Sagrada of Angola within the CAF Champions League.
What a end🔥#CAFCL pic.twitter.com/15LAq6xE3p
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) September 13, 2024
The 18-year-old midfielder, previously of Plateau United, unleashed a strong long-range shot from exterior the field, leaving the Sagrada goalkeeper with no probability because the ball flew into the web.
Full time victory locked in at dwelling! One down, and now we deal with ending robust within the second leg away!#RANSAG #CAFCL#GloryDays #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/fotWsULji3
— Rangers Worldwide FC (@Rangers_Intl) September 13, 2024
The purpose is Ogunleye’s first on the continental stage, a milestone in his burgeoning profession.
Rangers now take a slim 1-0 lead into the second leg, which will probably be performed on the Estádio 11 de Novembro, Luanda, Angola on Sunday, September 22.
The mixture winner will safe a coveted spot within the profitable CAF Champions League group stage.
Rangers stay Nigeria’s solely hope within the competitors after Remo Stars had been eradicated by FAR Rabat within the first spherical.