Rangers told to stay sharp for CAF Champions League match

EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League Chief Operating Officer Ayo Abdulrahman has told Rangers players to keep their heads in the game for their CAF Champions League second-leg match against MC Alger. He warned that the Algerian team will be a tough opponent, even though they are down 2-0 on aggregate, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Abdulrahman highlighted the need for focus, determination, and smart tactics as the Nigerian champions get ready for Friday’s return match at the Stade Ali-Ammar in Douéra, Algeria.

“Rangers players showed determination to win even when they were one player down, and winning by two goals was a befitting reward for the hardworking players and managers of the team,” Abdulrahman said, as reported by NPFL Media.

“It’s not going to be a tea party; don’t expect them to offer you flowers. Stay focused, take the fight to them, and respond to the dictates of the game, especially when you have to defend,” he continued.

Rangers will enter the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Abeokuta. In that match, MC Alger complained about the officiating and how their delegation was treated.

The Algerian club raised concerns about the penalty given to Rangers and the red card shown to Oussama Benhaoua, who got a second yellow card. MC Alger argued that the penalty was not deserved and that Benhaoua’s red card was unfair.

MC Alger also denied claims that their fans damaged seats at the stadium, saying the seats were already broken before the match started. They slammed the reported $20 ticket price for their away fans, calling it too high compared to prices at other African stadiums where they have played.

These claims reflect MC Alger’s side of the story regarding the events in Abeokuta and have not been verified independently.

Rangers have travelled to Algeria for Friday’s important match, which will kick off at 8pm Nigerian time.

The team that wins on aggregate over the two legs will move on to the group stage of the CAF Champions League. Rangers need to defend their lead against an MC Alger side that is eager to come back on their home ground.