{
  "id": 6832811,
  "title": "CAF CL: Rangers progress after Sobemap scare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare-6832811",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T01:18:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's Rangers International secured their spot in the next round of the CAF Champions League after a thrilling 5-4 penalty victory over Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap in Lomé, Togo. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the first leg in Abeokuta, leading to a penalty shootout. Despite missing their initial attempt, Rangers maintained their composure, while Sobemap struggled twice, resulting in a triumphant Rangers return to Africa's premier club competition. The Nigerian champions are expected to face either MC Alger or ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic in the next round. MC Alger faced Nigelec in the first leg, drawing 0-0, and will aim to secure the win in the second leg. Rangers, seeking to make an impact on the continent, will be hoping to surpass their previous CAF Champions League failure to reach the group stage in 2024.",
  "summary": "Nigeria’s Rangers International have qualified for the next round of the CAF Champions League after beating AS Sobemap of Benin 5-4 on penalties in Lomé. Read More: https://punchng.com/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare/",
  "key_points": [
    "Rangers win 5-4 on penalties against AS Sobemap",
    "Match ends 1-1 after first leg in Abeokuta",
    "Rangers advance to next CAF Champions League round"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rangers International's penalty victory over AS Sobemap sets them up to face either MC Alger or ASN Nigelec in the next round, boosting their hopes of making an impact in the CAF Champions League.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "CAF CL: Rangers progress after Sobemap scare",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/caf-cl-rangers-progress-after-sobemap-scare",
        "published": "2026-09-12T01:12:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "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."
}