Rangers’ CAF Champions League hopes ended by late MC Alger comeback

Nigerian champions Rangers have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League after MC Alger overturned a two-goal deficit to win the second leg 3-0 on Friday night.

The Algerian side advanced from the second preliminary round tie 3-2 on aggregate, recovering from Rangers’ 2-0 victory in the opening leg.

Rangers defended resolutely during the first half as MC Alger searched for a way back into the contest. Goalkeeper Destiny Abuchi played a key role, producing two important saves to preserve his side’s advantage.

But the pressure eventually told two minutes before the hour mark when Chahreddine Boukholda opened the scoring for MC Alger.

The goal gave the hosts renewed belief and brought them closer to completing the comeback, although Rangers remained ahead on aggregate.

Abuchi then appeared to have kept Rangers in control when he saved a penalty from Mohamed Bangoura in the 70th minute.

Bangoura responded six minutes before the end of normal time, making up for the missed spot-kick by producing a composed finish to bring MC Alger level at 2-2 on aggregate.

The Algerian club completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Soufiane Bayazid scored the decisive goal, sending MC Alger through and ending Rangers’ campaign.

Rangers’ departure means Nigeria will have no representative in the CAF Champions League group phase. Rivers United had already been eliminated in the first preliminary round.