Rangers in pole position with late win over MC Alger in CAFCL

Enugu Rangers secured a 2-0 victory over MC Alger in their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg match at the MKO Abiola stadium, with Kenneth Igboke and James Emo scoring the goals. The Flying Antelopes, led by Head Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, faced a strong opposition, as MC Alger was matched by Alger's supporters in the stadium.

The game saw goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh sent off in the 13th minute for a foul, reducing the team to ten players. Similarly, Oussama Benhaoua was dismissed six minutes later for accumulating two yellow cards. Despite the setbacks, Rangers maintained their compact shape and held onto a scoreless halftime. In the second half, Igboke scored the opening goal in the 82nd minute with a penalty kick, followed by Emo sealing the win with a spectacular solo goal in the 88th minute.

The result gives Rangers the advantage heading into the second leg, as the NPFL champions are well-positioned to advance to the CAFCL group stage for the first time. In contrast, El Kanemi Warriors struggled to a 2-2 draw against Raja Casablanca in Ikenne. While the Moroccans dominated possession, El Kanemi took the lead five minutes in, only for the visitors to equalize on the 23rd minute and take the lead on the hour.

A late goal from El Kanemi's striker in the 74th minute drew the game, but a win in Rabat next weekend is crucial for the team to reach the CAF Confederations Cup group stage.