Rangers Beat MC Alger 2-0 Despite Early Red Card
Rangers International FC overcame an early red card to beat Algerian champions MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Nigerian champions were reduced to 10 men just after the 11th minute when goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off. However, they showed great determination to secure a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg.
MC Alger also finished with 10 men after defender Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the second half.
Rangers started the match strongly, putting the visitors under pressure and creating early chances. However, the game changed when Jimoh rushed out of his goal to stop a counter-attack but failed to make contact with the ball. The referee showed him a red card following the incident.
Rangers responded by bringing on goalkeeper Lateef Ishola for forward Waheed Adebayo.
Despite playing with one man less, the hosts continued to create chances through captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, Azeez Falolu and Godwin Obaje.
Rangers came close to scoring in the first half, but their efforts failed to find the net as MC Alger goalkeeper Ramdane and his defenders kept the Nigerian side at bay.
Rangers technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu made changes at half-time as his team looked to increase its attacking threat.
The match became more balanced when Benhaoua was sent off for pulling back Nwobodo and receiving a second yellow card.
With both teams reduced to 10 men, Rangers took greater control and continued to search for the opening goal.
The hosts thought they had scored when James Emo found the net from close range after a pass from Chimobi Igwilo, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Rangers eventually broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute after Igwilo was brought down inside the penalty area.
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Igboke stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending Ramdane the wrong way to give the Nigerian champions the lead.
Rangers continued to push forward and doubled their advantage in the 86th minute when Emo finished off a quick counter-attack.
The second goal gave the home side a comfortable lead, although Rangers continued to threaten as they looked for more goals before the final whistle.
The 2-0 victory gives Rangers a strong advantage ahead of the return leg, where they will aim to complete the job and secure progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League.
