NPFL champions Rangers International are in Algeria to face MC Alger in a decisive CAF Champions League clash, with a place in this season’s group stage at stake, reports www.aclsports.com.
Friday’s encounter at Algiers’ Ali La Pointe Stadium is the second leg of the second round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers.
The Flying Antelopes head into Friday’s clash with a two-goal advantage after late strikes from Kenneth Igboke and Emo James secured a win for the NPFL side in the first leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena on Sunday.
Despite holding a two-goal advantage, Rangers face an uphill task, with head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu insisting his side will approach the clash as if the first-leg result gives them no advantage.
”We will put behind us the result from the first leg and focus on the task ahead. We have prepared ourselves like a team going into a game in which we don’t have any lead. We will do everything we can to get a good result,” said Ilechukwu.
After what transpired off the pitch after last Sunday’s game, when MC Alger supporters damaged some seats and entered restricted areas, CAF said it will open disciplinary proceedings over the incidents. Meanwhile, CAF on Thursday rejected Rangers’ request for MC Alger to play the match behind closed doors following the Nigerian club’s protest over misconduct by the Algerian side’s supporters.
In a bid to put everything under control, CAF has already appointed experienced Ugandan Dixon Adol Okello as security officer for this match in Algiers.
CAF has appointed a team of experienced match officials for the second leg, with Lesotho’s David Molise named as the centre referee. He will be assisted by compatriots Phatsoane Souru and Siza Shaun Dlangamandla Siza, while Sephabathi Adam, also from Lesotho, will serve as the fourth official. Egyptian official Hisham Salaheldin Mostafa will serve as match commissioner, while Togo’s Kokou Ognankotan Ntale has been appointed referee assessor.
The fixture is crucial not only for Rangers but also for Nigerian club football, as failure to reach the group stage could affect Nigeria’s club representation in continental competitions next season.
The MC Alger versus Rangers game will kick off 8pm Nigerian time.
