Rangers edge past Sobemap on penalties to reach CAF Champions League second round

Rangers have progressed to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Beninese club Sobemap FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

The Nigerian champions were held to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their first preliminary-round tie at Stade de Kegue in Lome on Friday. The result left the aggregate score level at 2-2.

Rangers went ahead in the 22nd minute when Sobemap FC conceded an own goal. However, the hosts responded and equalised with 25 minutes remaining.

Neither team was able to find a decisive goal during regulation time, meaning the tie had to be settled from the penalty spot.

Rangers converted enough of their penalties to win the shootout 5-4 and book their place in the next stage of the competition.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team will face Algerian giants MC Alger in the second preliminary round.

By Adeboye Amosu