Exclusive News
As the Total/CAF Confederation cup 2019/2020 competition approaches
the money spinning stage, one of Nigeria’ surviving clubs, Rangers
International F.C will be storming the Togolese capital, Lome for a
date with Association Sportive des Conducteurs de Kara (A.S.C.K) with
a place in the group stage its main target.
It’s no news that A.S.C.K are the reigning champions of the Togolese
top flight just as it is no news that the team got knocked out of the
more prestigious CAF Champions league where they played four matches,
won one, lost one and drew two, scoring two goals and conceding same
while it is a documented fact that this team provided seven players to
the Togo CHAN team that stopped Nigeria from an appearing at next
year’s tournament in Cameroon but Rangers is poised to stop this
seeming dominance when both sides clash over two legs.
For the seven time Nigeria league champions who placed third in Group
B of last season’ competition after going eight matches without a loss
in both preliminary and knock out rounds, going further than they
achieved last term is a target that every member of the team has set
and surmounting the huddle in the form of A.S.C.K is a task that must
be done after navigating past a tricky Gabonese side, A.S Pelican 4-3
over two legs in the first round of the competition.
Head coach of Rangers, Benedict Ugwu, is full of confidence going into
the first leg of the fixture scheduled for Stade de Kegue, Lome, as he
expressed optimism and assured the ‘Flying Antelopes’ followers that a
win was achievable in Lome so as to make the return leg at ‘The
Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, a mere formality.
The ASJU 3rd Best African Player-of-the-Year, 1990, said, “Well, we
are going there (Lome) to battle. A battle we must succeed, I hope.
They are a good side and we expect a good fight from them but we are
prepared for them and we are going to face the fight as we see it
there. Yes, their players may dominate Togo’ CHAN team but we also had
our own contribution to our national team but that is a different ball
game. We are not scared of that feat by our opponent. We are relaxed
and confident that we shall come out with a good result.”
Coach Ugwu, who will be tackling a Togolese opposition for the fourth
time in this weekend’ tie is optimistic of extending his dominance
stressing, “This is my fourth time of going to Togo to play. I went
with Rangers as a player and we won 1-0, next was with the senior
national team and it ended in a draw then I went with BCC Lions of
Gboko and we won now I am going as a coach, I know that by the special
grace of God, I will come out victorious.”
The Rangers gaffer, will be banking on experience as characterized by
Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Uche John and Ugwu Uwadiegwu; youthful energy as
symbolized by Tony Shimaga, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Eziekwe Chinonso and Agu
Kenechukwu to achieve the set target against such players expected to
be lined up by the opposing coach which includes; Marouf Tchakel,
Abdoul Sabourh, Kossi Koudagba, Ismail Agoro, Yendoutie Richard,
Samiou Tchatakoura and Kossi Jean Ozou who captained the Togolese CHAN
team against Nigeria.
Also speaking, two goals hero for the Enugu side, Nnamdi Egbujuo is
also optimistic of a great outing in Lome as he said, “We are going to
Lome for victory and nothing but victory. We have done all that is
needed of us in training and by God’ grace we shall come back with the
result we aspire for. Yes, we know little of our opponent even when
they have seven players in Togo’ CHAN team, I believe that the result
will be decided on the pitch.”
The former Heartland power playing forward who have scored in the two
matches played by the Enugu side, further said, “I believe that
scoring goals is through team work and we play as a team so I expect
to help my team with more goals especially in the coming match against
ASCK.”
Legendry CAF club campaigner and Beach Eagles star attraction,
Ikechukwu Ibenegbu sees the match as one that deserves all the
attentions to ensure qualification for the group stage of the annual
competition stressing, “We respect our opponent in this round of the
competition but we don’t fear them. We have heard a lot about them as
been the backbone of Togo’ CHAN team that stopped us from going to
Cameroon but that does not scare us as we are an equally great side
with determination to get as far as the final of the competition with
an eye at winning the trophy for the country.”
The 26-man delegation of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ are expected to depart
Enugu, Friday, to connect a flight from Lagos to the Togolese capital
for the match slated for Sunday, October 27, 2019 and make a return a
day later to prepare for the return fixture expected to take place at
Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on Sunday, November 3, 2019.
The first leg match slated for Stade de Kegue de Lome will be handled
by Senegalese arbiters led by Daouda Gueye at the center.
