Rangers have booked their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, edging Beninese opponents Sobemap FC 5-4 on penalties after the tie ended level on aggregate.

The Nigerian champions travelled to the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Friday for the second leg, where they were held to a 1-1 draw — leaving the two-legged tie deadlocked at 2-2 overall and forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

How the match unfolded

Rangers broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through an own goal, giving Fidelis Ilechukwu's side an early advantage. Sobemap FC, however, refused to yield, drawing level with 25 minutes left on the clock.

Neither team could force a winner in regulation time, and with the aggregate score still tied at full time, the match went straight to penalties. Rangers held their nerve throughout the shootout, eventually prevailing 5-4 to advance.

MC Alger up next

The victory sets up a second-round meeting with Algerian giants MC Alger. It is a stern test for Rangers, but having come through the tension of a penalty shootout, Ilechukwu's squad will travel to that fixture with confidence.