Enugu Rangers Crash Out Of CAF Champions League After Late Collapse To MC Alger
The Flying Antelopes failed to protect their advantage, succumbing to late pressure as MC Alger scored three unanswered goals to secure a place in the group stage.
MC Alger player celebrate a goal against Enugu Rangers. Photo credit: CAF Online
Nigerian champions Rangers International of Enugu crashed out of the CAF Champions League on Friday after losing 3-0 to Algeria’s MC Alger at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Algiers.
The defeat handed Rangers a 3-2 aggregate loss, despite their 2-0 victory over the Algerians in the first leg in Abeokuta last weekend.
The Flying Antelopes failed to protect their advantage, succumbing to late pressure as MC Alger scored three unanswered goals to secure a place in the group stage.
After a goalless first half, MC Alger needed three goals in the remaining 45 minutes to overturn the deficit and keep their campaign alive.
Enugu Rangers defender tries to stop MC Alger attacker in CAF Champions League game in Algiers on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo Credit: CAF Online
The comeback began in the 58th minute when Chahreddine Boukholda put the hosts ahead, raising hopes among their supporters.
With six minutes left in regulation time, Guinean forward Mohamed Bangoura scored MC Alger’s second goal to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate, sparking celebrations in the stands.
As the match appeared to be heading for a penalty shootout, Soufiane Bayazid struck three minutes into stoppage time to complete MC Alger’s comeback and seal a 3-0 win on the night and a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The result ended Rangers’ bid to reach the group stage, while MC Alger will now seek to advance further in the competition as they pursue a second continental title, 50 years after winning it in 1976.
