The Flying Antelopes and the Desert Warriors experienced contrasting results in their respective CAF competitions, with Enugu Rangers securing a notable victory in the Champions League while MC Alger suffered defeat.

Enugu Rangers struck twice in the closing stages to claim a 2-0 win over MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round tie on Sunday.

Late goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo secured the victory for the Flying Antelopes at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, giving the Nigerian side a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg.

Enugu Rangers faced an early setback when goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off by referee Washington Dolo in the 13th minute for dangerous play against Naidji Zakaria.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, the reigning Nigerian league champions remained composed and defended resolutely to keep the 1976 African champions at bay, with the first half ending goalless.

Rangers controlled the tempo after the restart, but the numbers were levelled in the 51st minute when MC Alger midfielder Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card and was dismissed.

As the match appeared to be heading towards a draw, Kenneth Igboke broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after a Rangers player was brought down inside the area.

The hosts struck again just three minutes later, with Eno producing an impressive solo effort to double their lead. The late goals put Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side in a strong position to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.

The defeat extended MC Alger’s winless away run in CAF continental competitions to 11 matches. The Algerian side will now look to overturn the two-goal deficit when the teams meet again at the Ali La Pointe Stadium on October 23.

However, Rangers will be mindful of a historical warning. During the 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs, MC Alger recovered from a two-goal deficit against the Nigerian side, eventually progressing to the final and going on to win the tournament.

tier side.

Elsewhere, El Kanemi Warriors played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday.

The Nigerian FA Cup winners made a flying start, taking the lead in the sixth minute. However, Raja Casablanca responded through Abu Zrayq, who finished from close range after being set up by Kehinde Oyewusi to bring the visitors level.

Both sides continued to create scoring opportunities as the first half progressed, but neither managed to find another breakthrough before the interval.

Raja Casablanca eventually moved in front just after the hour mark when Oyewusi capitalised on a defensive error from the Nigerian second-tier outfit to put the Moroccan side ahead.

Despite falling behind, El-Kanemi Warriors continued to fight and eventually found an equaliser in the 82nd minute to secure a 2-2 draw and keep the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg.

The two sides will meet again at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on October 23, with a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on the line.

The Maiduguri-based club, who reached the semi-finals of the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1993, will now aim to deliver another determined performance in Morocco to keep their hopes of progressing in the continental competition alive.