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LOBI STARS, RANGERS BEGIN JOURNEY TO CONTINENTAL GLORY
BY APESIN ADEMOLA.
Nigerian clubs begin their campaign for continental glory this Wednesday, a day after some of their counterparts across Africa would have kicked off the 2018/19 edition of CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
In order to align with international football calendar, CAF will run its season from August to May next year. The transitional schedule therefore runs from this month and ends next May.
Nigerian teams have failed to do well in Africa in recent years and the federation will therefore have one club in each of the two club competitions. In the CAF Champions League, Premier League winners Lobi Stars will file out on Wednesday at Stade Municipal de Loum, a city in the Littoral Province of Cameroon. Their opponents will be Union des Mouvements Sportifs de Loum (UMS de Loum, for short)
On the same day, Federation Cup champions Enugu Rangers will host Ethiopia’s Defence Force in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Lobi Stars will be playing in Africa for the fifth time in their 37 years existence. It was not until 2000 that the Makurdi-based side first featured in a CAF competition. They were eliminated in that year’s group stage of the CAF Champions League after finishing third among Ghana’s Heart of Oaks, Al-Ahly of Egypt and ASC Jeanne d’Arc of Senegal.
Four years later, Lobi Stars were knocked out at the second round of CAF Confederation Cup, just as they did in 2006 and even performed worse in 2012 with a first round elimination.
Founded in 2011, UMS de Loum won their first Cameroon Cup three years ago by beating former CAF Champions League winners Coton Sport, three-time African Cup of Champions Clubs title holders Canon Sportif de Yaoundé and Union Doula on their way to the final where they defeated Panthère du Ndé 2–0.
The Cameroonian side lost in the preliminary round of CAF Champions League last year and the first round of the Confederation Cup in 2016.
Runners-up behind Coton Sport in the Cameroon top flight concluded last July, UMS de Loum have not had a competitive match since then, while Lobi Stars featured in the Nigerian SuperCup match as recent as last Tuesday beating Federation Cup champions Rangers 1-0 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
In that SuperCup fixture, Lobi Stars tried out new players including Lobi handed starts to new signings Sikiru Alimi (ex-Sunshine Stars), Alex Aghahowa (formerly El-Kanemi Warriors), Chile Azu (from Go Round FC) and Samuel Mathias (El-Kanemi Warriors).
AS Vita Club of DR Congo await the winners of Lobi Stars/UMS de Loum pair in the first round.
For Rangers, they were in continental competition as recent as last year but could not go beyond the first round of the CAF Champions League. The Flying Antelopes managed to beat Algeria’s JS Saoura on away goal rule at the preliminary stage but lost 3-5 aggregate to Zamalek of Egypt in the next round.
Relegated to the Confederation Cup thereafter, Rangers still couldn’t go far as Zambia’s ZESCO United triumphed 5-2 aggregate in the playoff round.
Rangers only hurrah in Africa was winning the CAF Cup Winners Cup in 1977. Ten appearances in the CAF Champions League (including in its precursor, the African Cup of Champions Clubs), four in the Confederation Cup and two in the CAF Cup have seen Rangers gone only as far as the final in 1975 in the African Cup of Champions Clubs.
In the off-season, Rangers acquired new players including Michael Uchebo, who was in the Super Eagles squad to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He re-joined the club after a few years unattached.
Gbenga Ogunbote, a veteran Nigerian coach, lead Rangers who are fired up to win. “We don’t have any option but to win on Wednesday against Defence FC,” goalkeeper Femi Thomas agrees.
The Ethiopian club featured in last year’s CAF Confederation Cup but got knocked out at the preliminary round. Before then, they had travelled as far as the quarterfinals of the 1976 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup. They also got eliminated at the first round in the 1977 edition of the African Cup of Champions Clubs and CAF Confederation Cup in 2007.
Also known as Mekelakeya, Defence Force’s last competitive match was on November 4 when they beat Debub Police 2-1 away in the first match of the 2018/19 Ethiopian Premier League season.
Whoever win between Rangers and their Ethiopian opposition will face either Algeria’s USM Bel Abbès or LISCR (Liberia) in the first round.
Tuesday’s fixtures…
2018/19 CAF Champions League (Preliminary round first leg)
- Volcan Club (Comoros Islands) v African StarsFC (Namibia) (1pm)
- Stade Centrafricaine (Central Africa Republic) v Stade Malien (Mali) (3pm),
- ASAS Djibouti Télécom (Djibouti) v Jimma Aba Jifar (Ethiopia) (4pm)
- ASF Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) v Coton Sport (Cameroon) (4.30 pm)
- AS SONIDEP (Niger Republic) v ZESCO United(Zambia) (4:30pm)
- CS Constantine (Algeria) v GAMTEL (Gambia) (5pm)
- Al-Nasr (Libya) v Al-Hilal Juba (South Sudan) (5pm)
- ASC Diaraf (Senegal) v US Koroki (Togo) (6pm)
- Township Rollers (Botswana) v BantuFC (Lesotho) (6:30pm)
- JS Saoura (Algeria) v SC Gagnoa (Côte d’Ivoire) (7pm)
- Ittihad Tanger (Morocco) v Elect-Sport (Chad) (8pm)
- Al-Hilal (Sudan) v JKUSC (Zanzibar) (8pm)
2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup (Preliminary round first leg)
- Mtibwa Sugar (Tanzania) v Northern Dynamo FC (Seychelles) (2pm)
- Kariobangi Sharks (Kenya) v Arta Solar 7 (Djibouti) (2pm)
- USM Bel Abbès (Algeria) v LISCR (Liberia) (3:30pm)
- FC San Pédro (Côte d’Ivoire) v Armed Forces FC (Gambia) (5pm)
- Nouakchott King’s (Mauritania) v Stade d’Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) (6pm)
- Hassania Agadir (Morocco) v AS GNN (Niger Republic) (6pm)
- NA Hussein Dey (Algeria) v Diables Noirs (Congo Republic) (6pm)
- Salitas FC (Burkina Faso) v WakiryaAC (Guinea) (7pm)
- Petro de Luanda (Angola) v Orapa United (Botswana)
- Green Eagles (Zambia) v Young Buffaloes (eSwatini)
- Ashanti Kotoko SC (Ghana) v Eding Sport (Cameroon) (Ashanti Kotoko SC gain walkover)
Wednesday’s fixtures…
2018/19 CAF Champions League (Preliminary round first leg)
- UMS de Loum(Cameroon) v Lobi Stars (Nigeria) (3:30pm)
- CNaPS Sport (Madagascar) v FC Platinum (Zimbabwe) (12:30pm)
- Le Messager Ngozi (Burundi) v Ismaily (Egypt) (2pm)
- UD Songo (Mozambique) v Nkana(Zambia) (2pm)
- Simba (Tanzania) v Mbabane Swallows (eSwatini) (2pm)
- APR FC (Rwanda) v Club Africain (Tunisia) (2:30pm)
- Leones Vegetarianos (Equatorial Guinea) v Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) (3pm)
- 1º de Agosto (Angola) v AS Otôho(Congo Republic) (4pm)
- Gor Mahia (Kenya) v Nyasa Big Bullets (Malawi)(5pm)
- ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire) v AS Mangasport (Gabon) (5pm)
- FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania) v Al-Ahly Benghazi (Libya) (6pm)
- Horoya (Guinea) v Barrack Young Controllers (Liberia) (6pm)
- Orlando Pirates (South Africa) v Light Stars FC (Seychelles) (6.30pm)
- Al-Merrikh (Sudan) v Vipers (Uganda) (both 6:30pm)
2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup (Preliminary round first leg)
- Enugu Rangers (Nigeria) v Defence Force SC (Ethiopia) (4pm)
- Miracle Club (Comoros Islands) v Al-Ittihad (Libya) (1pm)
- Free State Stars (South Africa) v Mukura Victory Sports (Rwanda) (2pm)
- Green Buffaloes (Zambia) v Al-Merreikh Juba FC (South Sudan) (2pm)
- New Star FC (Cameroon) v Vital’O FC (Burundi) (3pm)
- AS CotonTchad (Chad) v Gomido FC (Togo) (3.30pm)
- DC Motema Pembe (DR Congo) v Anges de Fatima (Central Africa Republic) (3.30pm)
- Cercle Mbéri Sportif (Gabon) v Silver StrikersFC (Malawi) (3:30pm)
- Génération Foot (Senegal) v Djoliba (Mali) (5:30pm)
- Al-Ahly Shendi (Sudan) v AS Nyuki (DR Congo) (6pm)
- Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) v Zimamoto FC (Zanzibar) (6:30pm)
- ASSM Elgeco Plus (Madagascar) v Deportivo Unidad (Equatorial Guinea) (6.30pm)
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Iran Rally Twice to Earn Draw Against New Zealand Amid Charged Atmosphere in Los Angeles
Iran came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G clash at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday, with the match unfolding against the backdrop of political tensions surrounding Tehran and a tentative agreement aimed at ending the recent U.S.-Iran conflict.
According to Reuters, the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium reflected the complex emotions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Los Angeles, home to the world’s largest Iranian diaspora community, saw hundreds of protesters gather before kickoff, many carrying Iran’s pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag and anti-government signs.
On the pitch, New Zealand made a bright start and took the lead when Elijah Just volleyed home from close range after being picked out by captain Chris Wood. The goal sparked celebrations among some anti-government supporters, while others had earlier booed Iran’s national anthem before the match.
However, the majority of the crowd of more than 70,000 appeared to back Team Melli, repeatedly chanting “Iran, Iran” and erupting in celebration when veteran defender Ramin Rezaeian equalised in the 33rd minute.
Rezaeian, one of several Iranian players whose domestic campaigns were disrupted after the suspension of the country’s league earlier this year, reacted quickest to a blocked effort and slotted the rebound past the advancing New Zealand goalkeeper.
The All Whites restored their advantage shortly after halftime through another combination between Wood and Just. Wood threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the Iranian defence and just finished emphatically to score his second goal of the match.
Iran again found a response, this time through Mohammad Mohebbi. The forward met Rezaeian’s pinpoint cross with a powerful header that struck the far post before bouncing into the net to level the score at 2-2.
Iran pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages and created the better opportunities, but New Zealand held firm to claim a valuable point.
“I love my mom and dad. They always pray for me in difficult times, so this is for them,” Rezaeian said after the match.
“And also for my people in Iran.”
The result leaves Group G finely balanced after Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, meaning all four teams sit on one point after their opening matches.
For New Zealand, the draw extended their wait for a first World Cup victory. The All Whites, appearing in their third finals tournament, have now gone seven World Cup matches without a win.
“We’re disappointed not to win,” New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley said.
“When you’re leading twice in a game, you come away with that what if. We were probably as close as we’ve ever been to winning a game at the World Cup, and we couldn’t quite do that today.
“But we’re in the World Cup, we didn’t lose, we stayed in the game, scored goals and created chances, so it was a really strong performance, I’m really proud of it.”
Reuters reported that divisions among Iranian-American supporters were evident throughout the day. Some fans said attending the match could be interpreted as support for Tehran’s government, while others insisted they were there solely to support the national team and its players.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei also highlighted the challenges his squad has faced during the tournament. After relocating their World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, the team has been required to travel internationally for each group-stage match.
Ghalenoei complained that several federation officials and members of the coaching staff had been unable to enter the United States after visa applications were rejected.
“I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the World Cup,” he said through a translator.
Despite those difficulties, the coach praised the support his side received in Los Angeles.
“It was a very good atmosphere,” he said.
“It was very positive. I was very happy with the supporters and the fans who were supporting the Iranian players. I think that was a very great achievement.”
Iran will return to Los Angeles to face Belgium in their next Group G fixture, while New Zealand will travel to Vancouver to take on Egypt as the battle for qualification to the knockout stages intensifies.
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Morocco Handed Boost as Brazil Lose Only Specialist Right Back Ahead of World Cup Clash
Morocco have received an early boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener against Brazil after the South Americans lost their only specialist right back, Wesley, to injury.
The AS Roma defender was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a left thigh muscle injury during Brazil’s 2-1 international friendly victory over Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that medical examinations revealed damage to the adductor muscle in Wesley’s left thigh, forcing him to withdraw from Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad.
His absence leaves Brazil with a significant selection headache ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Morocco. Wesley was the only natural right back in the squad, meaning Ancelotti may now have to rely on makeshift options such as versatile defenders Danilo and Ibanez to fill the position.
“The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh,” the CBF said in a statement.
“The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title.”
Brazil have moved quickly to replace the injured defender, calling up Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is expected to join the squad in the United States on Monday.
For Morocco, the development could offer a tactical advantage as the Atlas Lions prepare to face the five-time world champions in what is expected to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the group stage.
The North Africans, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and continue to be regarded as one of the strongest teams outside Europe and South America, will be looking to exploit any defensive uncertainty on Brazil’s right flank.
Brazil, chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title, are grouped alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The opening encounter between Morocco and Brazil is expected to play a key role in determining the eventual group winner.
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Algeria have extended the contract of national team coach Vladimir Petkovic and his technical staff until 2028, the country’s football federation said on Sunday, days before the World Cup in North America, with his previous deal due to expire immediately after the tournament.
Petkovic, who took charge in February 2024, has overseen a strong turnaround, leading Algeria to 21 wins, four draws and three defeats in 28 matches and guiding the team to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, after their absence from the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Algeria also reached the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after consecutive group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023, while climbing from 43rd to 28th in the FIFA world rankings and from seventh to fourth in Africa during the Bosnian’s tenure.
The federation said the extension reflected “stability and confidence in the work accomplished”, with Algeria set to open their World Cup Group J campaign against Argentina on June 17 before facing Jordan and Austria.
-Reuters
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