Nigerian champions Rangers International have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Algerian side MC Alger in the second leg of their tie, losing 3-2 on aggregate.
The Flying Antelopes saw their continental campaign come to an end on Friday after MC Alger overturned the first-leg deficit with a commanding performance in front of their home supporters in Algeria.
Rangers had entered the return fixture hoping to protect their aggregate advantage and secure qualification for the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition. However, three second-half goals from the Algerian hosts proved decisive.
MC Alger Turn the Tie Around
The encounter remained goalless until the 58th minute, when Bokholda broke the deadlock to give MC Alger the lead and put the home side back in contention.
The goal increased the pressure on Rangers, who needed to respond to prevent their opponents from gaining further control of the tie.
MC Alger continued to push forward in search of another goal and were rewarded in the 84th minute when Bangoura found the net to make it 2-0.
With the aggregate scoreline swinging in their favour, the Algerian side pressed for a third goal that would put the contest beyond Rangers’ reach.
Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Bayazid scored from another corner kick, completing a dramatic turnaround and extending MC Alger’s lead to 3-0 on the night.
The decisive goal, recorded in the 90+3rd minute, gave the hosts a 3-2 aggregate victory and confirmed Rangers International’s elimination from the competition.
Rangers’ Continental Campaign Ends in Disappointment
For Rangers International, the defeat represents a major setback as the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions miss out on progressing further in the CAF Champions League.
The Enugu-based club had hoped to carry Nigeria’s challenge forward in the continental competition, but their inability to withstand MC Alger’s second-half pressure ultimately proved costly.
Conceding three goals without reply, including two from set-piece situations involving corner kicks, left Rangers unable to preserve their aggregate advantage.
MC Alger, meanwhile, will advance to the next stage after producing the goals required to overturn the tie and eliminate the Nigerian champions.
