Rangers of Enugu coach, Gbenga Ogunbote has declared that he and his players will not write off their CAF Confederation Cup opponents, USM Bel Abbes, despite playing a golless draw away in the first leg of their qualification match.
Ogunbote admitted it was a heartwarming result achieved in Algeria, but footballlive.ng reports further that he insists The Flying Antelopes cannot start talking about a place in the group stage until they complete the task of eliminating USM with victory in the second leg in Enugu.
USM, who dismissed Liberia’s LISCR from the competition came into the encounter with the ambition of silencing Nigeria’s Federation Cup holders, but they failed in their mission as The Coal City side picked a point at Stade 24 Fevrier 1956, but Ogunbote admits the battle is on.
Rangers will welcome the Algerians to Enugu on December 23, with the overall winners progressing to the second round of the Confederation Cup.
Ahead of that tie, Rangers’ midfielder Solomon Okpako and defender, Semiu Liadi both agreed with Ogunbote that the team must keep their feet on the throttle.
Okpako praised the quality of USM Bel Abbes, and noted that Rangers squandered a late chance that would have won them the game, but says getting a goalless draw away was just good enough.
Okpako said:“Not conceding any goal was very good for our confidence because coming back home.
“it is in our hands to wrap up the match next weekend in front our fans. The game plan was for us to win, but a draw will do.”
Liadi added: “I am confident we will get the job done in the return leg in Enugu.”
