Enugu Rangers claimed a vital 2-0 victory over Algerian giants MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round encounter at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Sunday.
In a fiercely contested encounter, both sides finished the match with 10 men after Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off just 11 minutes into the game, while MC Alger’s Oussama Benhaoua received a red card seven minutes into the second half.
Despite the early setback, the Nigerian champions displayed remarkable resilience and determination, scoring twice in the closing stages to secure a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg.
With time running out and the contest seemingly heading towards a stalemate, Rangers finally found a breakthrough in the 84th minute when Chimobi Igwilo was fouled inside the penalty area.
Kenneth Igboke took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted the penalty, sending the home supporters into celebration and giving Rangers a crucial late lead.
The goal lifted the confidence of the hosts, who continued to press forward in search of another breakthrough.
Rangers’ persistence paid off just two minutes later when James Emo capped off a swift counter-attacking move with a clinical finish in the 86th minute.
The second goal put the hosts firmly in control and ensured they secured an impressive 2-0 victory over their Algerian opponents.
Despite playing much of the encounter under challenging circumstances following Jimoh’s dismissal, Rangers demonstrated character, discipline and attacking efficiency when it mattered most.
The victory gives Rangers a significant advantage heading into the second leg, with the Nigerian champions now well-positioned to progress to the next stage of the CAF Champions League.
However, they will need to maintain their focus and deliver another disciplined performance in the return fixture to complete the job against a determined MC Alger side, with the winner over the two legs progressing to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
