Enugu-based outfit Rangers International left it late to see off Algerian opponent MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash.
The Nigerian side played with 10 men from the 13th minute of the clash at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State. But the Flying Antelopes scored in the 84th and 87th minutes to secure a 2-0 victory over MC Alger.
It started with Kenneth Igboke netting first from the spot before James Emo doubled the lead three minutes later to give Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side the win ahead of the return leg in Algeria.
Rangers’ goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was handed a straight red card after a foul on MC Alger’s Zakaria Naidji, who was through on goal following a pass from Zinedine Ferhat.
However, the Algerian heavyweights did not make the advantage count in the clash. The visitors were later reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute after Oussama Benhaoua got a red card for two yellow cards.
That’s a wrap on today’s action. Here’s how the scores look.
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With the two-goal cushion, the Nigerian champions head into the reverse fixture on Friday, October 23rd, needing to protect or improve on their advantage.
Rangers had a difficult passage from the last round, advancing after victory on penalties against AS Sobemap of the Benin Republic. The match had ended 1-1 after a two-legged affair, but the Nigerians went through 5-4 in the ensuing shootout in Lomé, Togo.
MC Alger defeated ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic 5-0 on aggregate to qualify for this stage. The Algerians won the domestic title and are seen as a formidable opponent for Rangers.
The winner of the tie between Rangers and MC Alger will book a place in the 2026/27 group stage.
In the CAF Confederations Cup, Nigerian side El Kanemi salvaged a 2-2 draw against Raja Casablanca. The return leg is set for Rabat next weekend.
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