Rangers will fight more after CAFCL draw – Ilechukwu

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Head coach of Enugu Rangers, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has called for more fight from his players after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie in Abeokuta.

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Chidozie Iwundu had put the Nigeria Premier Football League champions ahead in the 23rd minute at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, but Sobemap fought back to level matters early in the second half, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg this weekend in Lomé, Togo.

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Speaking after the game, Ilechukwu said the Flying Antelopes would need to improve on their attacking approach in the return fixture.

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“They are a good side defensively. We tried to look at entering the box and scoring goals to open them up, probably try to attack rather than sit back. We will also look at what we can do in Lomé for the second leg, come close to the box, and find those chances,” he said.

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“Last season, we converted so many aerial chances, and I think we still have the quality, but maybe we were unlucky today,” the two-time NPFL winner added.

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The former Plateau United tactician expressed optimism about Rangers’ ability to advance in the competition.

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“The truth is, a person who is on the ground does not have any other option but to fight and survive. It is going to be a Rangers win, technically or tactically, if we prepare very well; that is what it is going to be. But if we do not win, it is not going to be so good for us,” Ilechukwu said.

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Rangers will need a win in Lomé, or a higher-scoring draw than 2-2, to advance to the next round of the competition.

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