SOBEMAP FC coach Narcisse Tinkeu has urged caution after his Beninese side drew with Nigerian champions Rangers International in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie at the weekend, conceding that the visitors were capable of taking victory.
Tinkeu said there was no cause for celebration because the contest remains undecided until the second match.
“This is not a major achievement; it is only a draw. There is no need for an emotional reaction,” he said.
“Rangers International deserve credit because they are a very strong side. We might have been beaten.”
The SOBEMAP manager noted that a home second leg would usually improve his team’s prospects, but the club will be forced to host the return fixture in Lomé, Togo, rather than in Benin.
“Having the next game at our own ground should have benefited us, but we will play in Lomé instead of Benin,” Tinkeu said.
He also underlined the influence of fans during matches on the continental stage.
“Supporters can act as a 12th player. We will give everything we have,” he added.
After the opening match finished all square, the two sides know that a win in the return encounter will send the victor through to the next round.
