Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has acknowledged that his team’s progress to the next stage of the CAF Champions League is far from guaranteed, emphasizing that success hinges on their performance in the return leg against AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday.

Remo Stars, representing Nigeria, secured a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg but now face a significant challenge as they prepare for the return fixture against their North African counterparts.

Speaking in a video interview shared on the club’s X (formerly Twitter) account, Ogunmodede expressed awareness of the difficult task awaiting his team in Rabat. “We anticipate a lot of hostility and tactics both on and off the pitch. We are accustomed to this and will be well-prepared. We have strategies in place, and we are ready,” he stated.

Ogunmodede emphasized the need for his side to enhance their attacking play and finishing, noting that they do not intend to adopt a defensive approach in the second leg. He is acutely aware that even a 1-0 defeat would see Remo Stars eliminated from the competition due to the narrow margin of their first-leg victory.

The away goal rule remains a crucial factor in the CAF Champions League, unlike in the Paris 2024 women’s football qualifiers where it was abolished. According to Articles 13 and 14 of the tournament regulations, the away goals rule is still in effect. If teams are tied on aggregate after both legs, the team with more away goals will advance. Should the away goals be level, the match will proceed to penalty kicks to determine the winner.

Reflecting on the first-leg encounter, Ogunmodede admitted that his team missed several opportunities to put the game to bed in the first half, attributing their lapse to overestimating their opponents. “We had multiple chances in the first half but gave our opponents too much respect,” he said. “The first 10 minutes of the second half were particularly nerve-wracking. We lost focus and allowed them back into the game. We’ve learned from that experience.”

As Remo Stars prepare for their critical second-leg fixture, Ogunmodede is determined to guide his team through what promises to be a challenging encounter in Rabat.