Enugu Rangers coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has expressed concern over his team’s inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, leaving them with a slim advantage over US Zilimadjou of Comoros in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
Despite dominating the match, Rangers’ profligacy in front of goal has put the team under pressure ahead of the second leg, Footballrover reports.
Although the Nigeria Premier League champions kick off their CAF Champions League campaign on a high note, clinching a narrow 1-0 win over the weekend, there are still concerns from the camp.
The Flying Antelopes were in high spirits as they took the lead in the 22nd minute with a precise goal from Frank Uwumiro.
Though they generated several other chances, the Enugu-based team couldn’t find the net any more, leaving some room for the Comorian side.
Speaking after the game, the coach of the Flying Antelopes admitted that anxiety is mounting on his team after they squandered those scoring opportunities presented to them.
“We did very well in the first half, but we threw away a lot of chances. When you play football and you don’t score goals, you’re going to be under pressure.”
Ilechukwu emphasised the importance of winning the first leg convincingly to ease the pressure.
“We planned to win this first game and win very well, so that the next game would be very easy for us. But the game didn’t go that way.”
Speaking further on the reverse fixture, the coach said,
“I think this game is going to be tougher than this.”
Captain of the Coal City side, Ugwueze Chinemerem, added that the game didn’t go as planned, but the victory was very important to them as it will give them room to advance to the next level.
He noted that the game highlighted areas the team needs to improve on; however, he expressed gratitude that it turned out in their favour.
The captain also expressed hope that they would be better prepared for the next game to continue advancing.
Meanwhile, Rangers’ narrow lead leaves them vulnerable to a comeback by US Zilimadjou, making the second leg a nerve-wracking encounter.
The two teams will now prepare to face each other again this weekend at the same Uyo stadium, with Rangers now playing as the home team.
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