Rangers International are through to the playoff round of the CAF Confederation Cup after coming from behind to defeat Gabon’s AS Pelican 4-3 on aggregate.
Rangers who won the 2nd leg 3-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Ogui Road, Enugu were made to work hard for the win as the visitors took an early lead through Dertin Amores in the 5th minute after the player converted a sublime free-kick from outside the penalty area.
However, the Flying Antelopes responded in the 18th minutes after Ifeanyi George equalized. This equalizer raised the spirits of the home fans who believed that their side could win the tie. Rangers mounted the pressure as they tried to level the tie before half time but unfortunately it ended 1-1 at Halftime
The 2nd half was one way traffic as Rangers dominated from the start and the pressure paid off as Nnamdi Egbujor put the hosts ahead on the night and level on aggregate.
The much anticipated winner came four minutes later as Ibrahim Olawoyin made it 3-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate to the delight of the home fans.
Pelican mounted a late challenge to try and get another goal which would have seen them eliminate Rangers but unfortunately couldn’t get it.
Rangers have now qualified for the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive season and will be aiming to qualify for the group stages for the 2nd time in as many seasons.
