Rangers International of Enugu secured a vital 2-0 victory over Algerian giants MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The Nigerian champions overcame an early setback and a fiercely contested encounter to claim a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg.
Both teams finished the match with 10 players after Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 11th minute, while MC Alger’s Oussama Benhaoua received a red card seven minutes into the second half.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rangers remained determined and eventually broke the deadlock in the 84th minute when Chimobi Igwilo was fouled inside the penalty area.
Kenneth Igboke converted the resulting penalty with composure to give the home side the lead and ignite celebrations among the supporters.
Rangers continued to press for a second goal, with their persistence rewarded in the 86th minute.
James Emo initiated a swift counter-attack, drove forward and finished clinically to double the hosts’ advantage and seal an impressive 2-0 win.
The victory puts Rangers in a strong position ahead of the second leg, as the Enugu-based club seeks to advance to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
However, the Nigerian side will need to maintain its discipline and defensive organisation in the return fixture to complete the job against the Algerian outfit.
