The last two Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) representatives in CAF competition, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba, will head into their respective second legs holding precarious advantages from their first legs played on Friday, 13 September.
While the Flying Antelopes hold a slender advantage to defend away against Sagrada Esperanca in the Champions League, the Peoples' Elephant have it all to do on home soil when they welcome Etoile Filante in a week in Confederation Cup action.
Profligate Rangers earn slim win in Uyo
The game started with Sagrada Esperança being the more dominant side in the opening exchanges. However, once Rangers settled, they began to dictate the tempo.
Bashir Usman was a constant menace down the right flank, tormenting the Sagrada defense with his lively play. In the 30th minute, he made a dazzling run through the Angolan defense and unleashed a shot on goal, but the visiting goalkeeper made an impressive save to deny him.
The reigning NPFL champions continued to press, with Ekeson Okorie and Saviour Isaac also trying their luck, but neither could find the back of the net.
The breakthrough would finally come in the 77th minute when substitute Kazeem Ogunleye fired a ferocious shot into the net, giving Rangers a well-deserved lead.
Despite their dominance, the Flying Antelopes will rue not taking more of their chances, as they now face a tricky second leg on 22 September in Luanda, where Sagrada Esperança will look to overturn the deficit.
Enyimba secure crucial draw in Bamako
Meanwhile, two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba put in a solid defensive display to earn a valuable 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso’s Etoile Filante de Ouagadougou in Bamako.
The game, played at the Stade Mamadou Konate, was one of few chances, with both teams struggling to break down each other’s defenses, especially in the first half.
The 9-time Nigerian league champions, fielding a much-changed team, held firm against the Burkina Faso side and rarely looked troubled throughout the match.
In the second half, Etoile Filante pushed for a goal, but the visitors' defense remained resolute, successfully holding off any attacks thrown their way to secure a goalless draw ahead of the second leg.
On September 22, Enyimba will welcome Etoile Filante to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for the second leg.
