Enugu Rangers admit more work to do despite Champions League win

Enugu Rangers have admitted they will need to do a lot more despite beating Comoros champions US Zilimadjou 1-0 in a CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg clash.

Frank Uwumiro’s 22^nd minute header was the difference between both teams at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo Sunday.

The two teams will do battle again Friday at the same venue.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu rued missed chances in the first leg.

“It was a game we had control over in the first stanza and could have scored more goals that would have killed any fight back from our opponent,” said the coach.

“We lowered our guard in the second stanza and they came out to attack, but we stood out to see off the encounter.

“We go back to the drawing board to prepare very well for the return leg and we are positive going forward.”

Rangers captain Ugwueze Chinemerem added: “The game did not go the way we planned it but the win is very important for us.

“I think with this result; we are in good stead to pick a ticket into the next round, but we have some work to do before the return leg. The match is gone and to the glory of God, it turned in our favor. It was a vital win.”

Rangers attacked from the first whistle but were denied early goals by the opposing goalkeeper Youssouf Djawadi.

However, the goalkeeper could not stop Uwumiro’s header off Kenechukwu Agu’s corner.

Uwumiro could have got his brace four minutes later, but he failed to finish inside the box with the goalkeeper stranded.

Rangers created more chances, while the goalkeeper Japhet Opubo was forced to come out twice to cut off dangerous attacks.

Both teams had chances to score after the interval, but could not.