Rangers International’s CAF Champions League campaign came to an end on Friday after Nigeria’s champions were beaten 3-0 by MC Alger in the return leg of their second preliminary-round tie in Algeria.
Key takeaways
- MC Alger progressed with a 3-2 aggregate win after recovering from a two-goal first-leg deficit.
- Rangers had won 2-0 in Abeokuta through Kenneth Igboke and James Emo.
- Boukholda put the Algerian hosts ahead in the 58th minute.
- Bangoura and Bayazid scored late to send MC Alger into the next qualifying stage.
MC Alger overturn first-leg setback
Rangers arrived in Algeria holding a 2-0 advantage from the opening meeting at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. Igboke and Emo had scored the goals that appeared to put the Nigerian side in a strong position ahead of the decisive away fixture.
However, MC Alger produced a comeback in front of their home crowd at the Ali La Pointe Stadium. Boukholda broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, giving the hosts hope of wiping out Rangers’ lead.
Bangoura added the second goal in the 84th minute to level the contest on aggregate, before Bayazid struck during stoppage time to complete the 3-0 victory.
Continental run ends for Rangers
The late third goal secured a 3-2 overall triumph for MC Alger and a place in the next qualification round. Rangers, despite their convincing home result in the first leg, exit the CAF Champions League after surrendering their two-goal cushion.
