NPFL champions Rangers International and Nigerian Cup champions Elkanemi Warriors have both been booted out of their respective continental competitions on Friday night, reports www.aclsports.com.
In the CAF Champions League, Rangers entered the contest with a two-goal lead from the first leg in Abeokuta last Sunday. Despite a goalless first half in Algiers, the Flying Antelopes succumbed to a second-half onslaught from the hosts to crash out 3-2 on aggregate.
Chahreddine Boukholda opened the scoring just before the hour mark from a corner-kick situation to hand MC Alger the lead. Mohamed Bangoura then had his penalty stopped by Rangers goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke moments later.
However, Bangoura redeemed himself by levelling the tie with a smart finish five minutes from time in front of a packed crowd at the game. Just two minutes into stoppage time, Soufiane Bayazid headed home a corner kick to complete the comeback for the hosts.
In the end, Rangers could not find a goal to alter the scoreline, as MCA held on to complete yet another comeback against the Flying Antelopes, just like they did back in 1976.
Nigeria’s other representative, Elkanemi Warriors, were also sent out of the CAF Confederation Cup by former champions Raja Casablanca following a 2-0 defeat in Casablanca. Barkok scored a stunning free-kick goal in the 88th minute before Huja added a second to seal the win.
Following the ousting of the two Nigerian teams, the country’s coefficient in the CAF association rankings has been dealt a huge blow as the continental competitions enter its money-spinning group stage.
