Joe Apu
Nigerian side, Rangers International of Enugu are confident that the turn around that saw Etoile du Sahel defeat them last weekend away will not reoccur in today’s reverse encounter in Enugu.
Though, Rangers had drawn the first blood away in the 2-1 loss in Sousse for Etoile’s first win at the group stage, head coach of the Enugu outfit Gbenga Ogunbote insists that fans can count on them to make the difference today at the Cathedral as nothing will be left to chance.
“The match in Sousse is gone. We scored first but lost eventually. I think all we can do is take the positive things from the game and wait for the return leg. When we scored, we retreated and paid dearly for our careless reaction. The mistakes we made in defense cost us the game. That aside, today’s game is our chance to redeem ourselves.”
Rangers forward, Bright Silas who scored the Flying Antelopes only goal away says: We’re hoping we can play better in the next game.”
Silas had given the Nigerians the lead on the quarter-hour mark before Iheb Msakni and Saddem Ben Aziza scored in either half to give ‘Les Diables Rouges’ a lifeline and remain in contention for a place at the next round.
Roger Lemerre, head coach, Etoile du Sahel is obviously in high spirits as he hopes to consolidate in the win of last week to further boost his team’s chances is of the opinion that his side can shock Rangers again.
”Despite having conceded first last week, we managed to come back which wasn’t easy. We are fully satisfied because we are back in the race for qualification. The consecutive games we have been playing have taken a toll on the players which resulted in many injuries.”
Rangers are on 4 points same as Etoile but with a better goals difference behind Club Sportive Sfaxien who are top of Group B.