Enugu Rangers surrendered a two-goal first-leg advantage as MC Algier scored three times in the second half to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory and end the Nigerian champions’ continental campaign.
Algerian champions MC Algier staged a remarkable comeback to eliminate Rangers from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, winning Friday’s second-leg encounter 3-0 in Algiers to book their place in the group stage.
Rangers arrived at the Stade Ali-la-Pointe with a commanding 2-0 advantage from the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on October 18, putting the Flying Antelopes within reach of the competition’s group phase.
However, the Nigerian champions failed to protect their lead as MC Algier mounted a determined second-half fightback, scoring three times in the closing stages to turn the tie around.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Chahreddine Boukholda, reducing Rangers’ aggregate advantage and raising hopes of a comeback among the home supporters.
MC Alger missed a penalty in the 70th minute, offering Rangers an opportunity to steady themselves and regain control of the contest. But the visitors were unable to capitalise on the reprieve as the Algerian side continued to apply pressure.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Mohamed Bangoura scored to make it 2-0 on the night, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2 and leaving Rangers facing the prospect of extra time.
Just when the tie appeared destined for another 30 minutes, Soufiane Bayazid struck in the 90+3rd minute to complete MC Algier’s dramatic turnaround and seal a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The late goal confirmed MC Alger’s progression to the Champions League group stage, while Rangers were left to rue their inability to preserve the advantage established on home soil.
For the Enugu-based club, the elimination represents a major setback after their first-leg performance had put them in a strong position to advance.
Their defensive struggles in the second half ultimately proved decisive, undoing the work of the opening leg in a contest that demanded concentration until the final whistle.
Rangers must now regroup and shift their attention to domestic football, with the defeat highlighting the importance of managing pressure and protecting aggregate advantages in continental competition.
MC Algier, meanwhile, will approach the group stage with renewed confidence after demonstrating the resilience and attacking determination required to overturn a difficult first-leg result and secure their place among Africa’s leading clubs.
