Rangers Advance in CAFCLQ After Penalty Shootout Over SOBEMAP

Rangers International survived a tense CAF Champions League preliminary-round match against AS SOBEMAP of Benin, edging the Beninese champions 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the second leg at Stade de Kégué in Lomé on September 12, 2026. The aggregate score finished 2-2, following identical 1-1 draws in both legs, allowing Rangers to progress to the next round of Africa's premier club competition.

Entering the crucial match, Rangers knew that anything less than a victory would jeopardize their continental campaign, having previously been held to a frustrating draw in the first leg, played in Abeokuta. The match in Lomé was closely contested, with neither team able to score during regulation time.

With the aggregate tied, the match proceeded to penalties, where Rangers displayed remarkable composure, converting all five of their spot kicks to secure a narrow victory in the shootout. This qualification was a much-needed relief for the Flying Antelopes, who were left disappointed after not capitalizing on chances in the first leg. Chidozie Iwundu scored Rangers' only goal in the initial match, but AS SOBEMAP managed to level the scores in the return fixture.

Rangers will now focus on the second preliminary round, set to face either ASN Nigelec from Niger or the Algerian club MC Alger, both of whom also played to a goalless draw in their first leg.

On the other hand, Rivers United must wait until Sunday for their critical second-leg clash against FC San Pedro after drawing 1-1 in the first leg held in Côte d’Ivoire. The Port Harcourt club will be looking for a victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to confirm their progression. A win will send them into the next round, while another draw would necessitate additional tie-breaking measures. Coach Finidi George's side aims to leverage home advantage to match Rangers in advancing further in the competition.