Rangers, who held a 1-0 advantage from the first leg of their second-round qualifier, were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate. Despite competing in the Champions League four times, the Nigerian side has yet to reach the lucrative group stage, where this season’s qualifiers earn $800,000 (715,000 euros).
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In the match played in Luanda, Sagrada Esperanca took a 2-0 lead in the first half. Rangers briefly fought back when Anayor Ogbonna scored before the break, tying the aggregate at 2-2 and giving Enugu the lead on away goals. However, Sagrada’s Jaime Pimpao netted the decisive goal in the 67th minute, sealing the Angolan side’s 3-2 aggregate victory.
Rangers’ exit follows that of fellow Nigerian club Remo Stars, who were ousted by Morocco’s FAR Rabat in the first round. Sagrada Esperanca’s progression marks their second appearance in the group stage, while fellow Angolan team Petro Luanda was surprisingly eliminated by DR Congo’s Maniema Union.
Meanwhile, Mali’s Djoliba made history by reaching the Champions League group phase for the first time after defeating ASKO Kara of Togo 2-0 on aggregate. Former champions Stade Abidjan, FAR Rabat, and Sudan’s Al Hilal also advanced to the group stage.
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