Enugu Rangers have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League after surrendering a two-goal first-leg advantage to suffer a 3-0 defeat against MC Alger in Algiers on Friday night.
The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions travelled to the Ali La Pointe Stadium with a commanding lead from the first leg in Abeokuta but conceded three unanswered second-half goals to lose 3-2 on aggregate.
Rangers held off their hosts throughout a goalless first half, appearing on course to secure a place in the competition’s group stage for the first time in the modern era.
However, MC Alger broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Chahreddine Boukholda capitalised on a defensive lapse to head home from close range past goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke.
The Algerian side had an opportunity to double their advantage 10 minutes later after Iwundu Chidozie fouled Marwane Khelif inside the penalty area.
Okeke, however, denied Mohamed Bangoura from the resulting spot-kick to keep Rangers ahead on aggregate and frustrate the home supporters.
Bangoura made amends in the 85th minute, scoring from the rebound after Okeke had saved Soufiane Bayazid’s header to put MC Alger ahead on aggregate.
With the tie seemingly heading towards a penalty shootout, Bayazid struck in stoppage time to complete the comeback and send MC Alger into the group stage.
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The defeat extends Rangers’ wait for a maiden appearance in the modern Champions League group stage, having failed to qualify in five attempts since 2006.
Despite reaching the final of the old African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975, the Enugu club have struggled to reproduce that success in recent decades.
MC Alger, meanwhile, remain in contention for a second continental title, 50 years after winning their maiden crown in 1976.
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