Rangers International’s Fidelis Ilechukwu is optimistic that his team would advance to the next round of the CAF Champions League.

Uwumiro Frank’s 22nd-minute header from a well-placed corner kick by Agu Kenechukwu proved to be the winning goal for Nigeria league champions in the first leg preliminary round of the 2024/2025

CAF Champions League against Comoros Island champions U.S Zilimadjou.

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The match, which was decided at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, was a home fixture for the Comoros, who chose to play in Nigeria due to the stadium’s non-approval.

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.