Enugu Rangers Secure Win Over Sagrada Esperança in CAF Champions League

Enugu Rangers, the Nigerian champions, returned to continental football on Friday with a narrow 1-0 win over Sagrada Esperança of Angola in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League. The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, saw coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side dominate the game but struggle to break down their Angolan opponents.



Substitute Kazeem Ogunleye came off the bench to score the only goal, securing a vital victory for the Flying Antelopes. Despite their dominance, Enugu Rangers failed to convert several chances, which will be a concern ahead of the second leg next weekend, where they need to perform better to advance.



The club has been facing goal-scoring difficulties, having netted only two goals from open play in their four matches this season. As they aim to become the first Nigerian side in four years to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League, they must resolve these issues to succeed in the competition.



Editorial



We view Enugu Rangers' performance in their CAF Champions League match against Sagrada Esperança as both a victory and a warning. While they managed to secure a crucial win, the game exposed a recurring issue that has plagued the team this season an inability to finish chances. Scoring just two goals from open play in four matches is not the mark of a side aiming for continental glory.