CAF Champions League: Rangers strike late to beat MC Alger

Rangers International secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Algerian champions MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday.

Despite Rangers playing with 10 men from the 13th minute, MC Alger conceded two late goals in the 84th and 87th minutes, resulting in a 2-0 victory for the Flying Antelopes.

Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty in the 84th minute before James Emo struck three minutes later to give the Nigerian champions a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.

The late goals rewarded Rangers’ persistence and gave the Flying Antelopes a two-goal cushion to defend when the teams meet again in Algeria on Friday, 23 October.

The result also gives the Nigerian side an opportunity to build on their continental campaign after a difficult passage through the previous round.

Rangers advanced to the second preliminary round after overcoming AS Sobemap of Benin Republic on penalties. The tie ended 1-1 after both legs before the Enugu club won 5-4 in the shootout in Lomé.

MC Alger, meanwhile, reached this stage after defeating Nigerien side ASN Nigelec 5-0 on aggregate, following a goalless first leg.

The Algerian club arrived in Nigeria as a formidable opponent, having won their domestic league title, but Rangers made home advantage count with their late double strike.

The two-goal margin gives the Nigerian side a useful advantage, although they must remain disciplined in the return leg to secure qualification for the group stage.

Rangers are among Nigeria’s most successful clubs, with nine league titles, including their latest triumph in 2026. They also won the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, establishing a significant place in the country’s football history.

The Flying Antelopes will now turn their attention to the return fixture in Algeria, where they must protect their lead against an MC Alger side seeking to overturn the deficit.

Victory over the two legs would secure Rangers a place in the CAF Champions League group stage and bring them closer to competing among the continent’s leading clubs.

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Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini