Rangers International yesterday left for Algeria giving Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side several days to prepare for Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg against MC Alger. The early travel should help Ilechukwu get his players ready for the conditions and atmosphere in Algiers.
The Flying Antelopes travel with a 2-0 advantage earned in Abeokuta on Sunday. After goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh’s early dismissal they resisted MC Alger’s pressure and struck twice late on through Kenneth Igboke from the penalty spot and James Emo.
Meanwhile General Manager Amobi Ezeaku welcomed both the result and the team’s resolve but cautioned that Rangers still have a difficult match to play.
‘It’s far from over because we are going to a hostile Algiers on Friday night to also fight through the hurdles’ he said.
He described the squad as young and determined adding that its response to playing much of the first half with 10 men reflected the mentality the club has worked to build. ‘They fought with every fibre in them and that’s the spirit of our club the spirit of never-say-die’ he said.
Separately Rangers have petitioned the Confederation of African Football over the conduct of MC Alger supporters during Sunday’s second preliminary-round first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
The Enugu club alleged that visiting supporters damaged seats and an entrance gate entered restricted areas and caused other disturbances following MC Alger’s defeat.
Rangers have asked CAF to investigate and consider measures to protect players officials and supporters at Friday’s return match in Algiers.
Reports also say the club has requested that the second leg be played behind closed doors; CAF had not announced a decision on that request at the time of writing.
Rangers say they remain committed to fair play and are awaiting CAF’s response. For the club the concern extends beyond damage at the Abeokuta venue: it wants the decisive second leg played in conditions that allow both teams to compete safely.