Rangers International edge AS SOBEMAP on penalties to advance in CAF Champions League
Rangers International edged Benin Republic's AS SOBEMAP 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 second-leg draw at Stade de Kégué, Lomé on Friday, September 11, 2026, to advance to the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
The Flying Antelopes secured progression after identical 1-1 draws in both legs, with Chidozie Iwundu scoring their opener in the first leg at Abeokuta. Rangers showed composure in the shootout at Stade de Kégué to avoid an early continental exit and now face either ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic or MC Alger of Algeria in the next round, with matches scheduled for late September/early October 2026.
This qualification keeps Nigeria's Champions League hopes alive as Rangers United also await their Sunday second leg against FC San Pedro at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 13, 2026 after holding the Ivorians to a 1-1 draw in Côte d'Ivoire. With both Nigerian clubs still in contention, will Rangers maintain this momentum against tougher North African opposition, and can Rivers United capitalize on home advantage to join them in the next stage?