Kenneth Igboke and James Emo scored late as Rangers beat the Algerian champions 2-0, then petitioned CAF over the visiting supporters.
Enugu-based Rangers International beat Algerian champions MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie on Sunday, 18 October, in Abeokuta. Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty in the 84th minute and James Emo struck three minutes later. Rangers had been playing with 10 men since the 13th minute.
Rangers reached this stage after beating AS Sobemap of Benin Republic on penalties. That tie ended 1-1 over two legs, and the Enugu club won the shootout 5-4 in Lomé. Premium Times notes that Rangers have nine league titles, including their latest in 2026.
The match did not end quietly. Punch reports that more than 400 Algerian fans lost their temper after the final whistle and destroyed seats in the covered stands, and that an assistant coach was allegedly attacked.
On Monday, the club took the matter to CAF. In a statement carried by Punch, Rangers said it had "formally petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF)" over incidents involving visiting supporters. Complete Sports reports that the petition went to CAF's Interclubs Competitions Organising Committee and Disciplinary Board.
The club alleged that visiting supporters destroyed a stadium entrance gate, and listed "unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, vandalisation of stadium seats and other acts of disorder." Punch quotes the club asking CAF for "appropriate precautionary measures" before the return fixture. According to Complete Sports, the petition goes further and asks CAF to order that the return leg be played behind closed doors.
Rangers ended its statement with a call for calm:
"We thank our supporters for their continued loyalty and urge everyone to remain calm, disciplined and focused as the Club prepares for the return leg."
The club also said it "remains committed to fair play, respect for football regulations and the safety of players, officials, supporters and all stakeholders." It said it had confidence in CAF's "established processes" and is waiting for a response.
The return leg is on Friday, 23 October, in Algiers, where Rangers must protect a two-goal lead.




No comments yet