How Rangers matched 50-year record in 2-0 win over MC Alger in CAF Champions League

Enugu Rangers International of Nigeria rewrote the history books on Sunday after defeating MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

The Flying Antelopes matched a 50-year-old record against the Algerian giants, repeating the exact scoreline from their previous victory over the same opponents in 1976.

The result puts the Nigerian champions in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Algeria, although the history of the two clubs offers a warning against celebrating too early.

Rangers produced a determined performance in Abeokuta despite losing their goalkeeper to an early red card, before two goals in the final 10 minutes secured a memorable victory.

GOAL!!! Kenneth Igboke and James Emo find the back of the net to get the win over MC Alger in Nigeria.

Rangers International 🇳🇬 2-0 MC Alger 🇩🇿#54footballx#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/r9H0JLshxE

— Official54fx (@54footballx) October 18, 2026

Rangers vs MC Alger: Red cards and late goals

Enugu Rangers‘ afternoon took a difficult turn in the 13th minute when goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh received a straight red card, leaving the hosts to contest most of the encounter with 10 men.

The dismissal threatened to derail Rangers’ plans, particularly against an MC Alger side hoping to take control of the tie and secure an advantage before the return fixture.

However, the visitors failed to make their numerical superiority count during the first half, with both teams going into the break without a goal.

MC Alger’s advantage disappeared eight minutes into the second half when midfielder Osama Ben Hawa was sent off in the 53rd minute. The dismissal restored numerical parity, leaving both sides with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.

FIRST HALF ACTIONS 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/gi8kyxHMsm

— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) October 18, 2026

Rangers seized the opportunity to increase the pressure as the match approached its closing stages.

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Igboke broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, converting a penalty to give the Nigerian side a crucial lead.

Four minutes later, James Emo struck again to double Rangers’ advantage and send the home supporters into celebration.

The two late goals secured a 2-0 victory and brought back memories of the clubs’ meeting in the 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs, the predecessor of the modern CAF Champions League.

Rangers also won the first leg of that semi-final 2-0 in Enugu before MC Alger overturned the deficit with a 3-0 victory in Algiers to progress 3-2 on aggregate. The Algerians eventually went on to win the competition.

The Flying Antelopes are scheduled to travel to Algeria for the return leg on October 23, with a place in the CAF Champions League group stage at stake.