By Agency Report

Nigeria champion, Rangers International put aside their early red card on Sunday to defeat visiting MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg second round final preliminary CAF Champions League encounter in Abeaokuta, Ogun State

The Nigeria Premier Football League champions were reduced to 10 men after just 13 minutes following a straight red card to the goalkeeper, Lucky Jimoh who was sent off after tackling Algiers forward  

However, the game changed dramatically just after the 11 minute when MC Alger caught the hosts’ high defensive line on the counter-attack. Ferhat released Naidji with a long pass, and Jimoh rushed off his line in an attempt to clear the danger but failed to make contact with the ball.

The goalkeeper was sent off following protests from the Algerian players, with two MC Alger players receiving yellow cards during the heated confrontation.

The Athletics reports that Rangers responded by withdrawing forward Waheed Adebayo and bringing on goalkeeper Lateef Ishola, leaving the hosts to reorganise after losing their first-choice goalkeeper.

MC Alger sought to exploit their numerical advantage by pushing more players forward, but Rangers gradually found their footing again.

The hosts suffered another setback when Falolu, one of their influential performers, was forced off following a nasty challenge by midfielder Bangoura, who received a yellow card. Temitope Folarin came on as a like-for-like replacement.

By the 28th minute, MC Alger had lost some of their early momentum, allowing Rangers to build from the back through Chidozie Iwundu and Mgbemena. Kenneth Igboke also offered an attacking outlet down the left, with his forward runs and long throws causing persistent problems for the visitors.

Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo came close after a combination involving Monday Daniel and Igboke opened space for him to shoot, but Zougrana put his body on the line to block the effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Folarin subsequently created another opening through the middle, with Nwobodo anticipating the move before Gassi intervened to clear the danger.

Rangers continued to threaten from set-pieces. In the 39th minute, Folarin and Iwundu stood over a free-kick outside the penalty area, with the defender unleashing a powerful, low effort that narrowly missed the left-hand post.

Obaje remained a handful for the MC Alger defence, using his strength to hold up the ball and bring Nwobodo into play on the counter-attack. The captain then combined with Igboke, whose cross entered the penalty area, but Obaje could not turn it home.

Rangers had another opportunity shortly before the interval when Igboke’s long throw caused confusion in the MC Alger defence. Goalkeeper Ramdane punched the ball away but left his goal exposed, allowing Ifeanyi Okechukwu to attempt an effort that sailed over the crossbar.

Despite playing with 10 men for much of the first half, Rangers had created promising openings and remained competitive against the Algerian champions.

Technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu made two attacking changes at half-time, introducing James Emo for Obaje and bringing on Mgbemena for Chimobi Igwilo as Rangers sought to increase their threat going forward.

The contest turned again when Benhaoua was sent off for a second bookable offence after pulling back Nwobodo. The MC Alger defender initially protested the decision before eventually leaving the pitch to loud jeers from the home supporters.

With both sides now reduced to 10 men, Rangers immediately looked to exploit the spaces opening up in the visitors’ defence.

Igwilo drove forward on the counter-attack and squared the ball for Folarin, whose effort lacked the power to trouble Ramdane.

Rangers then thought they had taken the lead when Igwilo set up Emo to finish from close range, but the assistant referee’s flag ruled out the goal for offside.

Igboke continued to trouble MC Alger with his long throws, and another delivery found Emo, whose header was saved by Ramdane.

By the 73rd minute, Rangers had taken firm control of the contest, forcing the visitors into an increasingly defensive approach as they attempted to run down the clock.

The breakthrough finally arrived when Igwilo drove into the penalty area and was brought down, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Super Eagles defender Igboke stepped up and calmly sent Ramdane the wrong way to put Rangers ahead.

The Nigerian champions continued to press for a second goal, and their persistence paid off in the 86th minute.

Emo led a rapid counter-attack, driving forward before finishing ruthlessly to double Rangers’ advantage and give the hosts a two-goal cushion.

Rangers threatened again moments later when Igwilo twisted and turned his way into the penalty area before attempting a curling effort, but Ramdane produced a save to prevent further damage.