'We will finish the job in Benin' - Amobi backs Rangers to advance
Rangers International may have surrendered a first leg advantage against AS SOBEMAP of Benin Republic, but General Manager Barrister Amobi Ezeaku insists the Nigerian champions remain firmly in control of their CAF Champions League destiny.
The Flying Antelopes were held to a 1-1 draw at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta after taking the lead through Chidozie Iwundu.
AS SOBEMAP responded early in the second half to restore parity and leave the preliminary round tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg.
While the result was not what Rangers had hoped for on home soil, Ezeaku believes the experience and quality within the squad will count when the two sides meet again in Benin Republic.
“Rangers FC will finish the job in Benin Republic. The first leg was not the result we expected, but this tie is far from over. I believe in the quality and experience of the Nigerian champions.
Rangers will go there, fight for the shirt and get the result needed to progress.”
For head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his players, the return leg will demand greater efficiency in front of goal. Rangers created opportunities in Abeokuta but failed to make their superiority count, allowing the visitors back into the contest.
The Nigerian champions will now have to combine attacking sharpness with defensive discipline in what promises to be a more demanding encounter away from home.
With the tie still evenly balanced, Rangers know exactly what is at stake. Ezeaku's confidence has also set the tone for the squad: the first leg may have ended in frustration, but the qualification battle is far from finished.
The Flying Antelopes now have 90 minutes to turn that belief into action and keep their continental campaign alive.
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