Enugu Rangers crash out of CAF Champions League after MC Alger’s stoppage time 3-2 comeback
Enugu Rangers’ continental ambitions crumbled in North Africa as MC Alger overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit with three second-half strikes to eliminate the Nigerian champions 3-2 on aggregate from the CAF Champions League.
Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers suffered a devastating elimination from the CAF Champions League after conceding three unanswered second-half goals against Algerian side MC Alger, sealing a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
The Flying Antelopes entered the second-leg encounter holding a seemingly comfortable 2-0 cushion following their resilient first-leg victory in Abeokuta.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu set up a disciplined defensive block that successfully frustrated the host side through a goalless opening 45 minutes.
However, the tide turned dramatically after the interval. Chahreddine Boukholda broke the deadlock in the 58th minute to reignite belief for the North African hosts.
Despite Rangers shot-stopper Abuchi saving a 70th-minute penalty to temporarily preserve the aggregate lead, mounting pressure eventually broke the visitors’ resolve.
Mohamed Bangoura leveled the tie on aggregate with an 84th-minute strike, before Soufiane Bayazid struck deep into stoppage time to complete the 3-0 victory on the night.
The dramatic collapse eerily mirrored the 1976 meeting between both clubs, where MC Alger similarly overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Rangers with a 3-0 home win.
With their continental journey brought to an end, Rangers will now turn their focus back toward defending their domestic league crown.
