Head coach of Nigeria sole representative in this year Total CAF Confederation Cup, Rangers International FC, Gbenga Ogunbote has rued his side’s hard luck after they exited the competition on Sunday.
Seven-time Nigerian league champions and reigning Aiteo Cup champions, Rangers lost 1-0 at home to Tunisian giants, Club Sportif Sfaxien despite a dominant display in a matchday 6 Group B fixture inside the main bowl on Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.
Ajani Ibrahim, Aguda Godwin, Bright Silas, and Ifeanyi George were denied by the brilliance of Sabri Ben Hassen in goal for CS Sfaxien in the first half but against the run of play, the Tunisian giants took the lead as Nassim Hnid nodded home an inviting free kick from a tight angle on 73 minutes.
Efforts to wrestle the chestnut out of a burning fire by the Enugu side proved abortive as a combination of delay tactics from the North Africans and some more misses capped the day for the former Africa Cup Winners Cup champions.
“I must say that today was not just our day. We had four balls hit the post and just their only effort at goal went in,” Ogunbote said in his pre-match conference.
“It was a bad day in the office but my boys did their very best under a very harsh condition. We leave with our heads held high as we go back to the league to navigate our way back to the continent. I congratulate C.S Sfaxien for their win and qualification.”
Meanwhile C.S Sfaxien head coach, Ruud Krool praised his side for their effort.
“It was a well-managed game by my players and we got the victory to crown our efforts,” Krool said.
“Rangers gave us a good game but we stood our ground in a very challenging condition. We continue with our search for another continental glory at the end of the season.”
With the result, CS Sfaxien of Tunisia qualified along with their neighbours Etoile du Sahel also of Tunisia, with 12 and 10 points respectively.
Enugu Rangers and Salitas FC of Burkina-Faso crashed out on five and four points respectively as Salitas lost their last match in the group by the same margin to Etoile du Sahel in Tunisia.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
