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NPFL champions Enugu Rangers have been eliminated from the 2026-27 CAF Champions League after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to MC Alger in Algeria, losing 3-2 on aggregate despite winning the first leg 2-0 in Abeokuta.
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Chahreddine Boukholda broke the deadlock in the 58th minute before Guinean forward Mohamed Bangoura scored the second goal with six minutes remaining, drawing the Algerian side level on aggregate and sending the home supporters into wild celebrations.
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Soufiane Bayazid broke Enugu Rangers’ hearts with a decisive goal in the 93rd minute, completing MC Alger’s comeback and ending the Nigerian champions’ hopes of progressing to the group stage of the prestigious continental competition.
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MC Alger have secured a place in the group stage and will be aiming to win their second CAF Champions League title, 50 years after their first triumph in 1976, while Enugu Rangers must now shift their attention to the NPFL following their disappointing continental exit.
October 24, (THEWILL) – NPFL Champions, Enugu Rangers, suffered a 3-0 defeat to MC Alger in Algeria on Friday to crash out of the 2026-27 CAF Champions League.
The Fidelis Ilechukwu-led side exited the competition following a 3-2 aggregate defeat after winning the first leg 2-0 in Abeokuta last weekend.
Enugu Rangers worked hard to keep the scoreline goalless in the first half before they capitulated in the second half.
Chahreddine Boukholda broke the deadlock in the 58th minute to give the hosts the lead.
Guinean forward Mohamed Bangoura leveled the tie with the second goal with six minutes to go to send the home supporters into wild jubilation.
Soufiane Bayazid broke Enugu Rangers’ heart with a late goal in the 93rd minute to send the NPFL champions out of the competition.
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Prior to the encounter, Enugu Rangers were the only Nigerian team left in the CAF Champions League after Rivers United crashed out in the previous round.
MC Alger have now booked a place in the group stage of the prestigious competition and they will be targeting a second title, 50 years after winning it in 1976.
Enugu Rangers will now turn their attention to the NPFL after missing out of the next round of the Champions League.
Since the 2018-19 season, Rivers United are the only Nigerian team to qualify for the Champions League group stage.
The Pride of Rivers achieved the feat last season when they defeated the Black Bulls of Algeria to book a place in the money -spining competition.
The Finidi George-led side finished bottom of Group A with one point from six matches to end their journey in the CAF Champions League.
