Enugu Rangers scored twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-0 victory over MC Alger of Algeria in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty in the 82nd minute before James Emo struck on the counter-attack to give the Nigerian champions a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg next week.
The victory came despite Rangers playing with 10 men for most of the encounter after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute.
Jimoh received a straight red card for handling an MC Alger attack outside the penalty area while acting as the last defender, leaving the Flying Antelopes with an early setback.
However, the team, coached by Fidelis Ilechukwu, remained organised and disciplined to keep the Algerian side at bay until the break.
MC Alger were also reduced to 10 men six minutes into the second half when Oussama Benhaoua was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the match.
The dismissal gave Rangers renewed hope, and the hosts continued to press for a breakthrough.
Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Igboke converted a penalty awarded following a foul to put Rangers ahead.
Emo then sealed the victory with a solo effort after a counter-attack, giving the Enugu side a two-goal cushion going into the second leg.
Rangers, who played the encounter at their temporary home in Abeokuta, had earlier called on their supporters to turn out in large numbers. However, MC Alger’s travelling supporters also turned up in force, occupying one stand at the stadium.
The result puts Rangers in a strong position to advance towards the CAF Champions League group stage, although they must still negotiate the return fixture next week.
Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors were held to a 2-2 draw by Moroccan side Raja Casablanca in their CAF Confederation Cup encounter in Ikenne.
Despite Raja’s dominance in possession, El-Kanemi took the lead in the fifth minute before the visitors equalised in the 23rd minute.
Raja then went ahead around the hour mark, putting the Nigerian side under pressure.
El-Kanemi fought back to restore parity with five minutes remaining, salvaging a draw ahead of the return leg in Rabat next weekend.
The Nigerian side now face a difficult task away from home as they seek to secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
