Rangers International of Enugu left it late but triumphed 2-0 over Algeria’s MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.
Playing with ten men from as early as the 13th minute at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, the Nigerian champions showed resilience to secure a crucial victory.
Goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off after fouling MC Alger’s Zakaria Naidji, who was through on goal following a pass from Zinedine Ferhat.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rangers held firm and eventually broke the deadlock in the 84th minute when Kenneth Igboke converted from the penalty spot. Just three minutes later, James Emo doubled the lead, giving Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side a valuable cushion ahead of the return leg in Algeria.
MC Alger, who finished with ten men themselves after Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the 51st minute, could not capitalize on their earlier advantage. The Algerian champions, having dominated ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round, will need to overturn the deficit at home next Friday, October 23rd.
Rangers advanced to this stage after edging AS Sobemap of Benin Republic in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 aggregate draw. The winner between Rangers and MC Alger will secure a coveted spot in the 2026/27 group stage.
Elsewhere, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeria’s El Kanemi battled to a 2-2 draw against Raja Casablanca, setting up a decisive return leg in Rabat next weekend.
