Kazeem Ogunleye powers Rangers FC past stubborn Sagrada Esperança in Uyo
Nigerian champions Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Angola’s Sagrada Esperança in the first leg of their CAF Champions League (CAFCL) second-round qualifier.
The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, saw the Flying Antelopes struggle to fully capitalise on their home advantage, leaving them with a narrow lead to defend in the return fixture.
Despite dominating possession, Rangers failed to break down the resilient Angolan defence in the first half. It wasn’t until the introduction of substitute Kazeem Ogunleye in the second half that the breakthrough came. Ogunleye, brought on by Super Eagles assistant coach and Rangers manager Fidelis Ilechukwu, produced a stunning long-range strike to secure the win and send the home crowd into jubilation.
The Nigerian champions were wasteful and will have Kazeem Ogunleye to thank for the brilliant match-winner which saved them from what looked destined to end in a barren draw.
The visitors will be disappointed to leave Uyo defeated after what was a resilient performance and included a last-gasp save from the Rangers International goalie to keep the score safe at 1-0.
The second-leg will afford the Angolans opportunity to redeem themselves but that will not come easy as Rangers International FC will look to wrap up the aggregate score and reach the money-spinning CAF Champions League group stage.
