Algerian Fans Attack Coach and Damage Stadium After Loss to Rangers

MC Alger fans were very angry after their team lost 2-0 to Enugu Rangers in the first leg of the CAF Champions League qualifying tie on Sunday. They reportedly attacked the club’s assistant coach and damaged facilities in the stadium.

Over 400 fans lost control after the match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. They destroyed seats in the covered stands. The fans also followed the Algerian team to the tunnel, where they allegedly attacked one of the assistant coaches. Nigerian police officers with the team stepped in to save him from more violence.

The chaos also reached the VVIP section. Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba was reportedly attacked by some members of the Algerian delegation when he tried to greet them after the match. Security personnel locked down the stadium to stop any further trouble.

On the field, Rangers made a big move towards the group stage. Kenneth Igboke scored from the penalty spot in the 81st minute. James Emo added a second goal later in the game. The match was very intense, and players from both teams received red cards. An official from the Algerian team was also sent off.

Rangers will head to Algiers for the return leg on October 23. They will aim to protect their two-goal lead and move forward in the competition. But the Nigerian champions have reasons to be careful. In 1976, Rangers beat MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their African Cup of Champions Clubs match. They lost the second leg 3-0 and were eliminated with a 3-2 aggregate score.

That year, MC Alger went on to win the continental title after beating Guinea’s Hafia FC in the final. Rangers now hope to avoid repeating that painful experience as they chase a spot in the group stage of the competition.