CAF Confederation Cup: Rangers beat war drums ahead of USMBA clash

Nigeria’s representative in the second tier continental club competition, the Total/CAF Confederation Cup, Rangers International F.C hope to continue their bright start on the continent as Algerian club champions, Union Sportive Madinet Bel Abbes (USMBA) come visiting the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu locally known as the ‘Cathedral’ on Sunday, December 23, 2018.

The decisive second leg of the first round encounter which will see the aggregate winner pick a ticket to the next round of the competition is expected to be explosive as the earlier encounter in the coastal city of Bel Abbes ended goalless.

Rangers’ coaches and players, since their arrival from Algeria have not kept anyone in doubt on its desires in this weekend’s make or break encounter.

Tope Olusesi who has captained the team in the last three continental outings said of the encounter, “The Algerian side is a good team and I believe that we gave our very best in the first leg in Algeria and we shall not take them for granted as we play the second leg.

“They will come fighting like wounded lions but we shall contain them and do the needful to qualify for the next round.

“We, the players, coaches and management know what is at stake and hope to deliver the goods on Sunday,” he continued.

“I urge the fans to rally round the team as they remain our source of inspirations by cheering us all the way till the end of the encounter.

Regarding the team spirit considering that the final straw will be broken at home, Olusesi said, “Motivation has been on the high for us from management and government just as the will to succeed within the team is strong. There is no cause for alarm as we fear no foe.”

Ghanaian shot-stopper, Nana Bonsu, who has posted two clean sheets in three continental games under his belt, gave a spiritual point of view regarding the encounter.

“Firstly, we give thanks to Almighty God who has made the results possible just as I won’t fail to appreciate my parents who are always in prayers for me as well as the supporters of Rangers that have always been there for us,” he said.

“The self-belief and unity in the team will surely see us through this game with USMBA.

“I pray that our opponents arrive safely in Enugu just as I urge our fans to come in their numbers to sing us to another great victory.

“They are a good side but we have what it takes to earn the win that will take us to the next round.”

The 35-man Algerian delegation are already in town as they flew directly into the coal city via Air Algeria and safely housed at the luxury, Golden Royal Hotel but have been going about their business for the encounter quietly.