Rangers International have progressed to the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, beating Benin Republic’s AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the second leg on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
The Flying Antelopes played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Abeokuta. Rangers were forced to settle for another draw in the return fixture at the Stade de Kégué, with neither side able to find the winning goal during regulation time.
The result meant the first-round tie finished 2-2 on aggregate, sending the contest into a penalty shootout to determine which side would advance.
Rangers responded with composure when it mattered most, converting their opportunities from the spot to secure a 5-4 victory and complete their passage into the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
Despite another closely contested encounter in Lomé, the Nigerian champions held their nerve in the shootout and avoided an early exit from the competition.
The qualification represents an important step for Rangers, who will now turn their attention to the second preliminary round.
Rangers International will face the winner of the tie between ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic and Algerian side MC Alger.
Rangers will be hoping to build on Friday’s hard-fought qualification as they continue their quest for a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
