MC Alger supporters allegedly vandalise stadium seats after 2-0 defeat to Rangers International

Rangers International’s 2-0 victory over MC Alger in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League has been overshadowed by reports of post-match disturbances at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

According to reports, members of the Algerian club’s travelling contingent allegedly vandalised stadium seats and forced open an exit gate following the final whistle.

The reported incidents added to an already tense atmosphere after a fiercely contested encounter in which both sides finished with 10 men.

The situation reportedly escalated around the stadium tunnel, where MC Alger head coach was said to have faced hostility from sections of his own supporters before being escorted away from the venue.

On the pitch, Rangers had to overcome an early setback after being reduced to 10 men in the 13th minute. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Nigerian side remained organised and continued to battle for a positive result against their Algerian opponents.

MC Alger also suffered a dismissal in the 52nd minute, with reports indicating that the player initially refused to leave the pitch, causing a delay in proceedings. An official from the Algerian club was subsequently sent off in the 70th minute as tensions continued to rise.

Rangers eventually made their pressure count in the closing stages, breaking the deadlock with an 83rd-minute penalty before James Emo struck four minutes later to secure a crucial 2-0 victory.

The result gives the Flying Antelopes a valuable advantage heading into the return leg in Algeria, where they will seek to protect their lead and secure qualification for the next stage of the continental competition.

However, the allegations of vandalism and the reported confrontation involving MC Alger’s coach have cast a shadow over the encounter. The claims have yet to be independently verified, and any potential disciplinary action from the relevant authorities remains unclear.