The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stepped up security precautions ahead of the high stakes second leg between MC Alger and Rangers International FC in the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
In an official appointment notice, CAF named Ugandan security officer Dixon Adol Okello to oversee security matters for the encounter, scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Stade Ali Ammar in Douera, Algiers, at 19:00 GMT.
CAF has also appointed a team of experienced match officials from Lesotho, led by referee David Molise. He will be assisted by Phatosane Souru and Shaun Siza Dlangamandla, while Sephapathi Adam will serve as the fourth official. Egyptian official Hisham Salaheldin Mostafa has been named match commissioner, with Togolese official Koku Ognankotan Ntale serving as referee assessor.
The decision to assign a dedicated security officer highlights CAF’s heightened attention to the fixture following incidents during the first leg. Although security officers and general coordinators are not routinely deployed for preliminary round matches, the circumstances surrounding this encounter have prompted additional precautions.
With tensions surrounding the tie, CAF will be keen to ensure that the return leg proceeds safely and without further incidents, allowing the contest to be decided on the pitch.
