Fidelis Ilechukwu, the Technical Adviser of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) defending champions Rangers International, has expressed his concerns over the team’s poor performance in the second leg against AS Zilimandjou of Comoros. The first leg of their preliminary encounter, which took place in Uyo last Sunday, saw Rangers underperform.
Rangers showed a lot of urgency in the first half, resulting in a well-taken goal by Uwumiro Frank in the 22nd minute. Despite creating more opportunities, they could only manage one goal, and the first half ended 1-0.
Many expected the momentum to continue after the break, but the Comoros side improved, balancing the game and even threatening to score.
Rangers barely managed to hold on to their solitary first-half goal, which was the only difference between the two teams in the match held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Coach Ilechukwu expressed dissatisfaction with how his team executed the second half, which allowed AS Zilimandjou to gain a stronger foothold in the game.
Ilechukwu said: “It was a game we controlled in the first half and could have scored more goals to neutralize any potential comeback from our opponents. We let our guard down in the second half, and they came out attacking, but we managed to secure the win.”
The coach promised to address the issues observed in the game and remains confident about qualifying for the second round of the preliminary stage. The second leg is scheduled for Uyo on Friday.
“We will go back to the drawing board to prepare thoroughly for the return leg, and we are optimistic about the outcome,” he added.
The first leg was played in Uyo at the request of the home team, AS Zilimandjou, after the Confederation of African Football did not approve their stadium in Comoros. The away leg will be held at the same venue, with Rangers playing as the host on Friday, August 23, 2024.
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