Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is not a happy man and has taken time to voice his disappointment with his team’s performance following their 1-0 victory over Sagrada Esperanca in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
The coach’s frustration stemmed from the players’ approach to the match, which he felt did not align with his prepared plan for the game, Footballrover reports.
The Nigeria Premier League champions Rangers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sagrada Esperanca of Angola in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.
The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, saw Kazeem Ogunleye score the only goal that separated both sides.
Kazeem Ogunleye had a tough game against US Zilimadjou in the Champions League last time that saw him subbed off for Rangers.
This afternoon he subbed on and scored the winner against Sagrada Esperanca!
Class is permanent!🌟
📸@Justinaaniefiok pic.twitter.com/bWPDDSkyv8
— Mr. Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) September 13, 2024
Despite the win, Rangers’ coach Fidelis Ilechukwu couldn’t help but point out his frustration during a post-match interview.
He revealed that while the game was meticulously planned, he was disappointed with his team’s approach from the start.
“It was a game we planned very well, but I am a bit disappointed with how the players approached the match from the beginning,” Ilechukwu said.
The coach acknowledged the strength of their Angolan opponents, noting that Sagrada Esperanca’s players had the potential to pose challenges.
However, he remained confident that his team could secure a positive result in the return leg in Luanda.
Ilechukwu also expressed regret over missed opportunities but emphasised the need to support and motivate the team, given that the tie remains finely balanced.
Full time victory locked in at home! One down, and now we focus on finishing strong in the second leg away!#RANSAG #CAFCL#GloryDays #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/fotWsULji3
— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) September 13, 2024
Looking ahead to the second leg on Sunday, September 22, at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, Ilechukwu remains hopeful.
He stressed that scoring in the away fixture will be crucial and is optimistic that Rangers can build on their narrow advantage.
Despite Sagrada Esperanca’s strong efforts to counter Rangers’ tactics in the second half, Ilechukwu believes his team can replicate their performance and advance to the group stages of the competition.
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