MC Alger Stage Dramatic Comeback to Eliminate Rangers and Reach CAF Champions League Group Stage
com-Cameroon MC Alger produced a stunning second-half comeback to eliminate Nigeria's Rangers International and secure qualification for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage. The Algerian giants overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit with a dramatic 3-0 victory in Algiers on Friday, October 23, progressing 3-2 on aggregate after a remarkable night at the Ali La Pointe Stadium.
Rangers arrived in Algeria with a commanding advantage after winning the first leg 2-0 in Abeokuta, thanks to late goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo. The Nigerian champions appeared on course to secure qualification after a goalless first half in the return fixture, leaving MC Alger with 45 minutes to score three unanswered goals to keep their continental ambitions alive.
The comeback began in the 58th minute when Chahreddine Boukholda found the net to ignite the home supporters and give the Algerian side renewed belief. Rangers goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke subsequently saved a penalty from Mohamed Bangoura around the 70th minute, seemingly preserving the visitors' advantage.
However, MC Alger refused to surrender, continuing to apply pressure as the contest approached its decisive stages. With six minutes remaining in normal time, Bangoura made amends for his missed penalty by scoring MC Alger's second goal, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2 and setting up a dramatic finale.
Just when the tie appeared to be heading towards a penalty shootout, Soufiane Bayazid struck three minutes into stoppage time to complete the turnaround, sealing a 3-0 victory on the night and a 3-2 aggregate triumph. The result sends MC Alger into the Champions League group stage as they pursue a second continental title, 50 years after their historic triumph in 1976.
For Rangers, the defeat brings a painful end to their campaign after coming within minutes of qualification. The dramatic outcome also echoes the clubs' 1976 meeting, when Rangers similarly won the first leg 2-0 before MC Alger overturned the deficit with a 3-0 victory in the return fixture to advance and eventually lift the continental trophy.