Enugu Rangers head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has urged his players to fight harder and improve their attacking play when they face AS Sobemap of Benin Republic in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary round tie.
The Nigeria Premier Football League champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Sobemap in the first leg played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
Chidozie Iwundu gave Rangers the lead in the 23rd minute before the visitors equalised early in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Ilechukwu said Rangers must adopt a more aggressive approach in the return leg in Lomé, Togo.
“They are a good side defensively. We tried to look at entering the box and scoring goals to open them up, probably try to attack rather than sit back. We will also look
at what we can do in Lomé for the second leg, come close to the box, and find those chances,” he said.“Last season, we converted so many aerial chances, and I think we still have the quality, but maybe we were unlucky today,” the two-time NPFL winner added.
Ilechukwu, a former Plateau United coach, remained confident that Rangers can progress to the next round.
“The truth is, a person who is on the ground does not have any other option but to fight and survive. It is going to be a Rangers win, technically or tactically, if we prepare very well; that is what it is going to be. But if we do not win, it is not going to be so good for us,” he said.
Rangers must win in Lomé or secure a draw of 2-2 or higher to advance to the next round.
