{
  "id": 6832242,
  "title": "CAF CL: Rangers progress after Sobemap scare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T01:12:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's Rangers International have secured their place in the next round of the CAF Champions League following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap. The match was played in Lomé, Togo, and ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, leaving the second leg destined for a shootout. Despite Rangers missing their initial kick, they managed to keep their composure while their opponents faltered on two occasions, ultimately clinching a 5-4 win. The Nigerian champions will now advance to face either Algerian giants MC Alger or ASN Nigelec of the Niger Republic in the following round. If MC Alger emerge victorious in the second leg, they will aim to bring back the CAF Champions League trophy. Rangers, on the other hand, return to Africa's premier club competition with the goal of making a significant impact, reflecting the Enugu club's rich continental history. The Flying Antelopes had previously failed to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League during their 2024 NPFL title-winning season. As Sports reporter Abiodun covers various tiers of Nigerian football, national teams, and cricket, this victory marks a new chapter in the club's pursuit of continental recognition.",
  "summary": "Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers International secured qualification for the next round of the CAF Champions League after overcoming Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap 5-4 on penalties in Lomé, Togo, on Friday. After last weekend’s 1-1 draw in Abeokuta, the Flying Antelopes settled for another 1-1 draw in regulation time in the Togolese capital, Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Rangers win 5-4 on penalties after 1-1 draw",
    "Nigerian champions advance to next round",
    "Will face MC Alger or ASN Nigelec next"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rangers International's penalty shootout win over AS Sobemap cements their return to Africa's premier club competition with renewed ambitions after a previous disappointing campaign.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "CAF CL: Rangers progress after Sobemap scare",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare-6832811",
        "published": "2026-09-12T01:18:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "CAFCLQ: Rangers survive SOBEMAP scare as Rivers United await San Pedro test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/cafclq-rangers-survive-sobemap-scare-as-rivers-united-await-san-pedro",
        "published": "2026-09-12T04:21:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}