Enugu Rangers team news vs MC Alger: Okeke in, Lucky out for NPFL champions

Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has named a strong starting lineup for his side’s crucial second-leg encounter against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League knockout round.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions head into the clash with a 2-0 advantage following an impressive victory over the Algerian side in the first leg last week in Enugu.

Rangers had goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh sent off in the first half of that encounter but still managed to secure the win. 

Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring from the penalty spot before James Emoo produced a superb late effort to seal the victory for Enugu Rangers over MC Alger, who also had a player sent off in the second half, leaving both teams with 10 men.

The return leg will take place at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douera, Algiers, as Rangers look to protect their two-goal advantage and progress to the next round of the competition.

The encounter will also mark the fourth meeting between the two sides, who previously faced each other in the semi-finals of the 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs.

On that occasion, Rangers also secured a two-goal advantage in the first leg, only for MC Alger to overturn the deficit with a 3-0 victory in the return leg. The Algerian side went on to reach the final, where they defeated Hafia FC to lift the trophy.

Enugu Rangers Starting Lineup vs MC Alger

Goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke comes in for Lucky Jimoh in goal, with Jimoh out of this clash with suspension.

Oputa Chibueze, Keneth Igboke, Chidiebere Nwobodo all start in a strong lineup as the NPFL champions will be very keen on progressing to the group stages.

Rivers United featured at that stage last season but were disappointing and crashed out without a win in six games and Enugu Rangers will be very keen on giving a better account of themselves.

Enugu Rangers Starting XI:

Abuchi Okeke (GK), Oputa Chibueze, Kenneth Igboke, Iwundu Chidozie, Monday Daniel, Patrick Okoko, Folarin Temitope, Okechukwu Ifeanyi, Chidiebere Nwobodo (C), Waheed Adebayo, James Emo.

Substitutes: Lateef Ishola, Daniel J Itodo, Wale S Akintola, Ikechukwu Mgbemena, Assurance Ifeanyi, Wisdom Ebirim, Igwilo Chimobi, Precious Agu, Godwin Obaje.