Rangers International have advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties in Lomé, Togo.
The Nigerian champions held their nerve in a dramatic first preliminary round second-leg encounter after regulation time ended with the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate.
With neither side able to secure the decisive advantage during normal time, the qualification was settled through a penalty shootout, where Rangers International prevailed 5-4 to book their place in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.
The result marks an important step forward for the Enugu-based club, who are representing Nigeria in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Rangers had entered the second leg with the tie finely balanced following a 1-1 draw against Sobemap in the first leg in Abeokuta.
CAF had identified the encounter as one of the decisive first preliminary round return legs, with the winners progressing to the second preliminary round.
The Flying Antelopes ultimately showed composure in the decisive penalty shootout to eliminate the Beninese champions and keep their continental campaign alive.
Rangers set for MC Alger showdown
Rangers’ reward for overcoming Sobemap is a challenging second preliminary round tie against MC Alger of Algeria, with the fixtures scheduled for October.
The Algerian club is one of the more experienced sides in the competition and will present a significantly tougher test for the Nigerian champions as they continue their quest for a place in the group stage.
Rangers will now turn their attention to preparations for the two-legged encounter, knowing that another successful outing would move them closer to the main phase of the CAF Champions League.
The Enugu club’s progress also provides a boost for Nigerian football on the continental stage, as Rangers continue their campaign as the reigning NPFL champions.
The first-leg meeting between Rangers and Sobemap had ended 1-1, leaving everything to play for in Lomé.
Rangers arrived in Togo determined to secure qualification, with the club confirming its preparations for the decisive second leg at Stade de Kégué.
After surviving the penalty shootout, Rangers can now look forward to another major continental challenge against MC Alger in October.
