Enugu-based Rangers International scored twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-0 victory over Algerian champions MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.
The Flying Antelopes played with 10 men from the 13th minute at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, but struck twice in the final seven minutes to take a commanding advantage into the return leg.
Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 84th minute before James Emo added a second three minutes later to seal the victory for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side.
Rangers were reduced to 10 men early in the encounter after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh received a straight red card for fouling MC Alger’s Zakaria Naidji, who was through on goal after being set up by Zinedine Ferhat.
Despite their numerical advantage, the Algerian side failed to capitalise on the situation and were also reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Oussama Benhaoua was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
The two-goal advantage gives Rangers a strong position heading into the return leg in Algeria on Friday, October 23, although they will need to maintain their performance to secure qualification.
Rangers endured a difficult route to the second preliminary round, advancing past AS Sobemap of the Benin Republic on penalties. The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate before the Nigerian side secured a 5-4 victory in the shootout in Lomé, Togo.
MC Alger, meanwhile, booked their place in this round with a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory over ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic. The Algerian outfit, who won their domestic league title, were considered a formidable test for the Nigerian champions.
The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a place in the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, another Nigerian side, El Kanemi, fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca. The return leg is scheduled to take place in Rabat next weekend.
