Enugu Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw by AS Sobemap in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes made the brighter start and appeared on course for a winning opening to their continental campaign after Iwundu Chidozie put them ahead in the 23rd minute.
However, Rangers were unable to turn their first half dominance into a more substantial advantage, and AS Sobemap responded after the interval to restore parity.
The result means the tie remains delicately poised ahead of the return fixture in Benin next Sunday.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side began with purpose, taking control of possession and forcing the visitors into a defensive posture during the opening exchanges.
That pressure eventually produced the breakthrough in the 23rd minute, when Iwundu Chidozie found the back of the net to give Rangers a deserved 1-0 advantage.
The goal did little to change the pattern of the first half, with Rangers continuing to push forward and create opportunities.
But despite their superiority, the Nigerian champions could not find a second goal before the interval.
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The visitors emerged from half time with greater attacking intent and quickly made Rangers pay for their failure to extend the lead.
AS Sobemap found the equalizer early in the second half, instantly changing the complexion of the contest and silencing the home support in Abeokuta.
Rangers responded by increasing the pressure once again, knowing that a home victory would have given them a valuable advantage to take into the second leg.
Rangers’ finishing proves costly
The Flying Antelopes created several promising openings in the remainder of the contest but could not convert their opportunities.
Poor finishing ultimately denied Ilechukwu’s men a second goal, leaving Rangers to settle for a draw despite having taken the initiative earlier in the match.
The 1-1 scoreline leaves little separating the two teams heading into the decisive return fixture.
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Rangers must now produce a stronger result away from home if they are to progress further in the CAF Champions League.
The Flying Antelopes will return to action against AS Sobemap next Sunday, with their continental campaign now resting on the outcome of the second leg.
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