CAF Champions League: Enugu Rangers strike late to beat MC Alger

Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers scored twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory over Algeria’s MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League final qualifying round tie on Sunday.

The Nigeria Premier Football League champions claimed the win at the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg as they seek a place in the competition’s group stage.

Super Eagles left-back Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 81st minute before James Eno added a second goal a few minutes later.

The fiercely contested encounter also saw both teams reduced to 10 men, while an official from the Algerian side was sent off.

Igboke and Eno deliver late breakthrough

Rangers had to wait until the closing stages to make their dominance count, with Igboke converting from the spot in the 81st minute to give the Nigerian side the lead.

Eno then struck shortly afterwards to double the advantage and give Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.

The result gives the Flying Antelopes an opportunity to move closer to the group stage of the CAF Champions League under its current format.

However, Rangers will need to negotiate the return fixture in Algeria to complete the job and secure qualification.

Rangers seek to avoid a repeat of 1976

The meeting carried historical significance, coming almost 50 years after MC Alger overturned a two-goal deficit against Rangers to reach the final of the 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs.

The Algerian side went on to win that year’s title against Guinea’s Haifa FC on penalties.

Rangers will be determined to avoid a similar reversal when the teams meet again, having established a 2-0 advantage in Abeokuta.

For Ilechukwu’s side, reaching the group stage would mark an important step as they pursue a place among Africa’s leading club sides.

The Nigerian champions must now protect their lead in the return leg against MC Alger to secure their place in the next phase of the continental competition.