MC Alger need a historic comeback to keep African Champions League hopes alive

MC Alger must overturn a two-goal deficit against Enugu Rangers on Friday if they are to reach the next stage of the CAF Champions League.

The Algerian side lost the first leg 2-0 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in a match that ended with both teams reduced to 10 players. They now need to win by three clear goals without conceding, or by at least four goals, to secure qualification.

The second leg of the second preliminary round will be played at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Algiers, starting at 21:00 French time and 20:00 in Algeria.

The match will be open to spectators after the Confederation of African Football rejected Enugu Rangers’ request for the tie to be played behind closed doors. The request followed events during the first meeting.

No broadcaster has been announced in France. In Algeria, the game will be shown on TV1, the terrestrial channel, and potentially on beIN Sports Mena, although the specific channel has yet to be confirmed.

MC Alger will be without Oussama Benhaoua, who was sent off in the first leg and is suspended for the return match.

Failure to overturn the deficit would see Mouloudia miss the Champions League final phase for the first time in three seasons. The club’s task is difficult, but it has previously recovered from a 2-0 away defeat against the same opponents in front of its home supporters.

That comeback came 50 years ago, on 11 November 1976, in the second leg of a semi-final. Abdenour Bellemou, Abdelwahab Zenir and Abdeslam Bousri scored to turn the tie around for the Vert et Rouge.

MC Alger will hope history can be repeated as they attempt to rescue their African campaign.