Rangers International secured a vital 2-0 victory over Algerian champions MC Alger within the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie on the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Despite Rangers enjoying with 10 males from the thirteenth minute, MC Alger conceded two late targets within the 84th and 87th minutes, leading to a 2-0 victory for the Flying Antelopes.
Kenneth Igboke transformed a penalty within the 84th minute earlier than James Emo struck three minutes later to give the Nigerian champions a worthwhile benefit forward of the return leg in Algeria.
The late targets rewarded Rangers’ persistence and gave the Flying Antelopes a two-goal cushion to defend when the groups meet once more in Algeria on Friday, 23 October.
The outcome additionally offers the Nigerian aspect a possibility to construct on their continental marketing campaign after a tough passage by way of the earlier spherical.
Rangers superior to the second preliminary spherical after overcoming AS Sobemap of Benin Republic on penalties. The tie ended 1-1 after each legs earlier than the Enugu membership gained 5-4 within the shootout in Lomé.
MC Alger, in the meantime, reached this stage after defeating Nigerien aspect ASN Nigelec 5-0 on combination, following a goalless first leg.
The Algerian membership arrived in Nigeria as a formidable opponent, having gained their home league title, however Rangers made dwelling benefit rely with their late double strike.
The two-goal margin offers the Nigerian aspect a helpful benefit, though they need to stay disciplined within the return leg to safe qualification for the group stage.
Rangers are amongst Nigeria’s most profitable golf equipment, with 9 league titles, together with their newest triumph in 2026. They additionally gained the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, establishing a big place within the nation’s soccer historical past.
The Flying Antelopes will now flip their consideration to the return fixture in Algeria, the place they need to defend their lead towards an MC Alger aspect searching for to overturn the deficit.
Victory over the 2 legs would safe Rangers a spot within the CAF Champions League group stage and convey them nearer to competing among the many continent’s main golf equipment.
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