Rangers, Rivers Utd face Zamalek, Al-Merriekh hurdles News

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Rangers, Rivers Utd face Zamalek, Al-Merriekh hurdles

By Daily Sports on March 11, 2017

Nigeria’s representatives Enugu Rangers and Rivers United are up against formidable oppositions in this weekend’s final round matches in the prestigious CAF Champions League

While defending Champions Enugu Rangers will be away against last year’s runners up, Zamalek of Egypt in Cairo, Rivers United will welcome Sudanese giants, Al-Merriekh at the Yakubu Gowon stadium Port-Harcourt on Sunday.

Victories for Rangers and Rivers United over their opponents will see them qualifying for the lucrative group stage of the prestigious CAF Champions League. The fixtures no doubt pose serious challenge for the two Nigerian clubs who would have to be at their best to step one foot into the group stage of the money spinning competition.

To set up their clash with Zamalek, the reigning Nigeria Professional League champions, Enugu Rangers struggled past tricky Algeria opponents, JSS Saoura on away goal rule. They had forced the Algerians to a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Algiers.

Rangers were then held to a nervy 0-0 draw in the return leg at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international stadium but Bobby Clement’s goal in the first leg was enough to see the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to the second round of the competition.

However, Nigeria’s other representative, Rivers United were more convincing in their performance as they walloped their opponents, Real de Bamako of Mali 4-0 in the return leg to set up their second round clash with Al-Merriekh of Sudan.

The first leg in Bamako had ended 0-0 and there was a bit of apprehension among fans of the club but two goals each from Bernard Ovoke and Esosa Igbinoba in each half of the return match saw the ‘Pride of Rivers’ having a smooth sail into the final round stage.

So this weekend is one of decision making for the two clubs as they must start the second round matches on solid footing, if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the group stage.

Going by their performances in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League season, Enugu Rangers are the less promising of the two representatives. It can be said that it was mother luck that propelled them to the second round and right at the moment, they are yet to find their rhythm in the domestic league.

Presently, they are 17th on the NPFL table which is not a good rating for the defending champions of the NPFL. Their last match against fellow CAF Champions league campaigners, Rivers United ended in 0-1 defeat at the Yakubu Gowon stadium Port Harcourt.

They are therefore going to face Zamalek tomorrow without much promise even as their Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo, is sounding so confident. He assured the team’s teeming fans that Rangers will get the result that will not only keep their hope alive but make Nigerians happy.

Hard tackling defender, Ugwu Uwadiegwu, who joined Rangers from former African champions, Enyimba FC told SHOT! that the match against Zamalek will not be an easy one but they will do everything possible to get a good result.

He said: “We respect Zamalek. They are one of the biggest clubs on the continent but we shall take the fight to them.

“We are also mindful of the fact that they played in last year’s final and that means they are in good form. Any match against North Africans is never easy so we are going to face a tall hurdle on Sunday.

“However, some of us are used to continental football so we should be able to guide the team through the tricky tie. Our experiences would prove useful against our opponents who are experienced in the CAF Champions League,” he said.

Rangers will have to watch Zamalek’s dangerman, Stanely Ohawuchi. The Nigerian who scored Zamalek’s only goal in the return leg of last year’s CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa is ready to wreck his compatriots.

He surely knows one or two things about the ‘Flying Antelopes’ so Rangers will have to keep an eye on him if they are to survive the battle of Cairo.

This is Rangers 10th Champions League appearance with their last coming in 2013 when they crashed out in the second round.

Although they are yet to win the title, Rangers came close in 1975 when they lost the finals to Hafia FC of Guinea.

Meanwhile, in Port-Harcourt, Rivers United will have their hands full as they welcome Sudanese giants, Al-Merriekh to Yakubu Gowon stadium aiming to qualify for the group stage.

Unlike Rangers who struggled to progress, Rivers United moved into the second round with a swagger after white-washing Real de Bamako of Mali 4-0 on aggregate.

Even as their opponents qualified in a similar fashion when they edged out Equatorial Guinea’s Sony Ela Nguema 5-1 after two legs in the preliminary round, Rivers are brimming with confidence because they are highly motivated.

Their last league match against Enugu Rangers ended in victory putting them in the right frame for the tie against Al-Merriekh who parade two Nigerians, Dayo Ojo and Super Eagles defender, Kunle Odunlami.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s match, Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma said” The Rangers match was a good test for us. They played a crowded midfield which made the game difficult for us.

“That’s the lesson we are taking to the match against Al-Merriekh on Sunday. We don’t want to leave anything to chance at all because it’s going to be a tough game on Sunday.”

Former Nigerian international, Garba Lawal said the two clubs must not disappoint Nigerian football fans.

He said convincing victories in the first leg clashes will make the return legs less difficult so they should ensure they get good results.

Lawal also said the embarrassing exit of Wikki Tourists and FC IfeanyiUbah in the second tier CAF competition, the Confederation Cup should be avoided.

“I am backing Rivers United and Enugu Rangers to top their opponents this weekend but they should be ready to go the extra mile. Rangers must be at their best to avoid disaster against a highly experienced side like Zamalek.

“Al-Merriekh are another formidable side that will not show Rivers United any respect. They are a big side that can come to Nigeria and surprise their host.

“I am therefore calling on Rivers and Rangers to do the country proud by setting the stage for eventual qualification for the group stage. If they do well in the first leg, they will surely qualify after the second round matches.

“They must avoid the fate that befell Wikki Tourists and FC IfeanyiUbah. Their early exit was a bad commentary on the Nigerian Professional Football League. Rivers United and Rangers must strive to put NPFL’s image in a more positive light,” he advised.

There is so much to play for as each club that qualifies for the 16-team group stage will be entitled to $550,000 just as the eventual winners of the prestigious competition would smile to the bank with a massive $2.5m. (Daily Trust)

•Photo shows Rangers Line-up.

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 11, 2017