Rangers International coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has warned his side not to become overconfident after securing a 2-0 first-leg victory against Algeria’s MC Alger in the CAF Champions League second qualifying round in Abeokuta on Sunday, October 18.
The Flying Antelopes take a two-goal lead into Friday’s return match in Algeria, scheduled for October 23. However, Ilechukwu has told his players that qualification will depend on their attitude and the quality of their preparations for the away fixture.
After the match, the Rangers boss said the team must quickly put the home result aside and go into the second leg with the urgency of a side attempting to overturn a two-goal deficit.
“We have to forget about these two goals. We have to regard ourselves as a team that is two goals behind, and then go there to attack and defend,” Ilechukwu said.
The Enugu club are due to depart for Algeria on Monday, with their coach placing particular importance on arriving early enough to prepare properly for the decisive contest.
“We cannot reveal what we will do now, but the important thing is that we must prepare very well before this match,” he added.
Ilechukwu feels the early journey could prove particularly beneficial, giving his squad time to settle into unfamiliar surroundings and adjust before facing MC Alger again.
“I believe that will be one of our greatest advantages — adaptation and everything else. Let us see what we can do,” he said.
While remaining cautious about the return encounter, Ilechukwu was delighted by Rangers’ display in a demanding first leg. The hosts lost goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh to an early red card and played much of the game with 10 men. MC Alger also had a player sent off during the second half, before Kenneth Igboke scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute and Emo James struck late to seal the 2-0 result.
“Believe me, it was huge. I am happy,” Ilechukwu said.
