The Nigerian reigning league champions were able to hold their own in Saoura where they battled their hosts to a draw
Enugu Rangers of Nigeria began their quest for a place in the group stage of the Caf Champions League on a good note after they held JS Saoura of Algeria to a 1-1 draw in the preliminary round, first leg tie played in Saoura City on Friday night.
The Flying Antelopes put behind them their unimpressive form in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to put themselves closer for a place in the first round of the money spinning club competition after star striker, Bobby Clement equalised the goal they conceded inside the opening 25 minutes. His goal came in the 38th minute of the encounter.
The home side who had the cold weather in their favour swooped on their opponents in the second half hoping to get more goals to make the second leg a mere formality but Rangers marshaled by Ghanaian shot stopper, Nana Bonsu stuck their guns and held on for a famous draw.
The return leg holds in Enugu on February 19 with the Nigerian champions needing only a goalless draw at least to progress to the next round while JS Saoura must score in Nigeria to stand any chance of qualifying for the next stage of the competition.
Nigeria’s second representatives in the Caf Champions League, Rivers United will face Malian side, AS Real de Bamako on Saturday in their preliminary round, first leg tie.
