Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has voiced his concerns over his team’s poor goal conversion rate in the ongoing 2024/2025 CAF Champions League. Despite qualifying for the second preliminary round, Ilechukwu was not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance.
Rangers, the reigning Nigeria league champions, advanced to the next round with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Comoros Islands champions, U.S. de Zilimadjou. In the second leg of the first preliminary round, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, August 23, 2024, the ‘Flying Antelopes’ were held to a 1-1 draw by their opponents from the small island nation.
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In his post-match interview, Ilechukwu expressed mixed feelings about the result. “We are happy to have qualified for the next round of the competition,” he said. “However, I believe that we did not up our game today against the Comoros champions. This goes a long way to show the mystery of the game of football.”
The coach also addressed the team’s struggles in front of goal, saying, “Sure, I am worried about our rate of converting chances, but I am optimistic about getting over this challenge before the next window for new registration. I believe that the start of the new league season will go a long way in helping us stabilize with regards to cohesive play from my players.”
Despite the draw, Rangers have secured their place in the next round, where they will face either St. Louis F.C of Seychelles or Sagrada Esperanca F.C of Angola. The Angolan side holds a 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in Seychelles last week.
