Nigerian champions Rangers International have advanced to the next round of the CAF Champions League after eliminating Comoros side US Zilimadjou with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Rangers were widely expected to secure a comfortable win in the second leg, played in Uyo.
However, they had to settle for a 1-1 draw, which was enough to see them through to the next stage of the competition.
The away side, US Zilimadjou, started the match with more attacking intent and looked the more positive of the two teams in the first half.
Despite creating a few chances, they failed to capitalize, while Rangers struggled to find their rhythm and appeared disjointed in their forward play.
Saviour Isaac was the standout performer for the Enugu side, consistently posing a threat down the flank, but even his efforts were not enough to break down the visitors' defence.
Rangers score to move to the next round
The game remained tightly contested until the 77th minute, when substitute Ekeson Okorie was brought down in the box, earning his side a penalty.
Kenechukwu Agu stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Youssouf Djawadi, giving Rangers a 1-0 lead on the day and a 2-0 advantage in the tie.
In the 85th minute, the Comoros side pulled one back through Youssouf Mohamed, creating a nervy finish to the match for the home side.
Despite the late pressure, Rangers managed to hold on and advance to the next round, though in an unconvincing manner.
The Nigerians will now face the winner of the tie between Saint Louis Suns United of Seychelles and Sagrada Esperança of Angola, with the Angolan side currently leading 1-0 ahead of the second leg.
