CAFCL: Ilechukwu Optimistic of Rangers Progression to Next Round Over U.S Zilimadjou

CAFCL: Ilechukwu Optimistic of Rangers Progression to Next Round Over U.S Zilimadjou Precious Oham

Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers International is optimistic that his side will progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

A 22nd-minute header by Uwumiro Frank from a well-treaded corner kick by Agu Kenechukwu turned out to be the winning goal for Nigeria league champions in the first leg preliminary round of 2024/2025 CAF Champions League over Comoros Island champions, U.S Zilimadjou. The encounter which was decided at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo was a home fixture for the Comoros side that elected to prosecute the match in Nigeria due to the non-approval of its stadium. Ilechukwu in a post-match chat, said, “It was a game we had control over in the first stanza and could have scored more goals that would have killed any fight back from our opponent. We lowered our guard in the second stanza and they came out to attack but we stood out to see off the encounter. "We will go back to the drawing board to prepare very well for the return leg and we are positive going forward." Captain of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Ugwueze Chinemerem, said, “The game did not go the way we planned it but the win is very important for us. "I think with this result; we are in good stead to pick a ticket into the next round but we have some work to do before the return leg. This is gone and to the glory of God, it turned in our favor. It was a vital win.” The return leg of the fixture will take place at the same venue with Rangers playing as the host on Friday, August 23, 2024, with the winner picking the ticket to the second preliminary round.