10-men Rangers Stun MC Alger To Take Champions League Advantage

Rangers International of Enugu overcame an early red card to defeat Algerian champions MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their second-round CAF Champions League preliminary tie in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday.

The Nigeria Premier Football League champions played with 10 men for most of the contest after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute for bringing down an opposing attacker outside his penalty area.

MC Alger initially threatened to capitalise on their numerical advantage after Ferhat released Naidji with a long pass, prompting Jimoh to rush off his line in an attempt to clear the danger. The goalkeeper failed to make contact with the ball, leading to his dismissal following protests from the Algerian players.

Rangers responded by withdrawing forward Waheed Adebayo for goalkeeper Lateef Ishola, forcing the hosts to reorganise early in the encounter.

Despite the setback, the Nigerian side gradually settled into the game, with Chidozie Iwundu, Mgbemena and left-back Kenneth Igboke helping to launch attacks from the back.

Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo came close to opening the scoring after combining with Monday Daniel and Igboke, but Zougrana blocked his effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Rangers continued to threaten through set-pieces, with Iwundu firing a low free-kick narrowly wide in the 39th minute.

Igboke’s long throws also troubled the visitors, while Ifeanyi Okechukwu missed an opportunity shortly before half-time after MC Alger goalkeeper Ramdane punched away one of the deliveries.

Rangers technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu made attacking changes at the interval, introducing James Emo for Obaje and Mgbemena for Chimobi Igwilo as the hosts sought to increase their threat going forward.

The contest became more balanced when MC Alger defender Benhaoua was sent off for a second bookable offence after pulling back Nwobodo.

With both teams reduced to 10 men, Rangers increased the pressure on the visitors and briefly thought they had taken the lead when Emo finished from close range following Igwilo’s pass. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Ramdane subsequently denied Emo with a save from his header after another dangerous long throw from Igboke.

Rangers eventually broke the deadlock when Igwilo was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Igboke stepped up and calmly sent Ramdane the wrong way to give the Nigerian champions the lead.

The hosts continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 86th minute when Emo finished off a swift counter-attack after driving forward to beat the MC Alger defence.

Igwilo almost added a third shortly afterwards, but Ramdane produced another save to prevent further damage.

The victory gives Rangers a two-goal advantage heading into the return leg in Algeria as they seek to advance to the next stage of the CAF Champions League.