Editor
Kenneth Igboke and James Emo scored late goals to give Enugu Rangers a 2-0 victory over Algerian champions MC Alger in Abeokuta.
Rangers got a highly needed 2-0 victory over Algerian champions MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Despite Rangers playing with 10 men from the 13th minute, MC Alger conceded two late goals in the 84th and 87th minutes, for the 2-0 victory for the Nigerian representatives.
Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty in the 84th minute before James Emo struck three minutes later to give the Nigerian champions a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.
The late goals rewarded Rangers’ persistence and gave them a two-goal cushion to defend when the teams meet again in Algeria on Friday, 23 October.
The result also gives the Nigerians an opportunity to build on their continental campaign after a difficult passage through the previous round.
Rangers advanced to the second preliminary round after overcoming AS Sobemap of Benin Republic on penalties. That fixture ended 1-1 after both legs before Rangers won 5-4 in the shootout in Lomé.
MC Alger got this stage after defeating Nigerien side ASN Nigelec 5-0 on aggregate, following a goalless first leg.
