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Enugu 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 on Sunday, despite playing with 10 men for most of the match.
The Nigeria Premier Football League champions overcame an early setback at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to claim a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.
Goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh received a red card in the 13th minute after leaving his penalty area to stop an advancing MC Alger attacker. He brought down the opponent without making contact with the ball, forcing Rangers to continue with a numerical disadvantage.
Rangers responded by bringing on goalkeeper Lateef Ishola for forward Waheed Adebayo, making an early tactical adjustment to reorganise the team.
Despite the setback, the Flying Antelopes remained disciplined and frustrated the visitors’ attempts to exploit their numerical advantage.
Igboke And Emo Seal Rangers’ Victory
Rangers eventually broke the deadlock in the 84th minute when Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty following a foul inside the MC Alger penalty area.
The goal lifted the home side and gave the Nigerian champions renewed confidence after a challenging encounter.
Three minutes later, substitute James Emo extended Rangers’ lead to 2-0, finishing a swift attacking move to strengthen their position in the two-legged contest.
Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo also sought to inspire the hosts as Rangers maintained their organisation and resisted MC Alger’s pressure.
The late goals rewarded Rangers’ persistence and gave them a two-goal cushion before the return fixture.
Algerian Fans Reportedly Damage Stadium Seats
Reports after the match alleged that some MC Alger supporters reacted angrily to the defeat by damaging stadium seats and throwing objects onto the pitch.
The reported incident followed Rangers’ victory in Abeokuta. Further official details about the incident were not provided in the supplied report.
Rangers Face Crucial Return Leg In Algeria
Rangers will travel to Algeria for the return leg, scheduled for Friday, October 23, according to the supplied report.
The Nigerian champions advanced to the second preliminary round after overcoming AS Sobemap of Benin Republic. Both legs ended 1-1 before Rangers secured a 5-4 penalty shootout victory in Lomé.
MC Alger reached this stage after recording a 5-0 aggregate victory over Niger’s ASN Nigelec.
Rangers must now protect their two-goal advantage against the Algerian side on home soil. A disciplined performance in the return leg could secure their place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
The Enugu-based club has won nine Nigerian league titles, including the 2026 championship, and claimed the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.
With a place in the continental competition’s group stage at stake, Rangers will hope their resilience in Abeokuta carries into the decisive encounter in Algeria.
