Written by Rahmon OluwoNigeria sports betting writer
Published 19 October 2026
Rangers International (Enugu Rangers) took a two-goal lead into the return leg of their CAF Champions League tie with MC Alger. They won 2-0 in Abeokuta on Sunday, October 18, despite playing most of the match with 10 men.
The second preliminary round first leg was played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, and late goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo settled it.
Early red card for Rangers
Goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off early in the first half after rushing out of his area to stop an MC Alger attacker. The Algerian champions had more of the ball after that, but the first half ended goalless.
MC Alger also went down to 10 men early in the second half, when Oussama Benhaoua was shown a second yellow card. An MC Alger official was sent off too.
Igboke and Emo strike late
Rangers finally broke through in the 84th minute, when Igboke scored from the penalty spot after a foul in the box. Emo added a second three minutes later to make it 2-0.
Echoes of 1976
The scoreline repeats Rangers’ first-leg win over MC Alger in 1976. That year they lost the return leg 3-0 and went out 3-2 on aggregate, and MC Alger went on to win the competition. Rangers will not want history to repeat itself a second time.
What’s next
The return leg is on Friday, October 23, at Stade Ali-la-Pointe in Douera, Algeria. The winner over the two legs reaches the 2026-27 CAF Champions League group stage.
MC Alger got here by beating ASN Nigelec 5-0 on aggregate. Rangers came through against AS Sobemap on penalties.
