Champions League: Rangers need to fight more — Ilechukwu

Head coach of Enugu Rangers, Fidelis Ilechukwu, wants more fight from his players following Sunday’s stalemate against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic in Abeokuta.

The Nigeria Premier Football League reigning champions failed to beat the Benin champions at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, leaving them with more work to do ahead of the return leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie.

Speaking after the game, Ilechukwu pointed out that the Flying Antelopes would improve in the return leg this weekend in Lome, Togo.

“They are a good side defensively,” Ilechukwu said after the game.

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“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 Lome for the second leg, come close to the box, and find those chances.

“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 told 54FootballX.

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

“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 don’t win, it is not going to be so good for us,” Ilechukwu added.

Rangers will have to go for a win when they face AS Sobemap in the second leg in Lomé, Togo, this weekend, or record a higher-scoring draw from 2-2 to advance.

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