Rangers produced a composed late comeback to defeat MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Sunday.

The match was shaped early by drama in both dugouts. Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh received a red card after just 11 minutes, leaving the Nigerian champions a man down. MC Alger were reduced to ten men themselves when Oussama Benhaoua was dismissed seven minutes into the second half, levelling the numerical balance.

Despite playing with ten men for the majority of the contest, Rangers showed considerable character and refused to buckle under pressure.

Igboke breaks the deadlock from the spot

The hosts made the breakthrough six minutes from time after Chimobi Igwilo was fouled inside the penalty area. Kenneth Igboke stepped forward and converted the spot-kick with composure, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Emo seals it with a clinical finish

Rangers were not finished. In the 86th minute, James Emo drove forward to lead a swift counter-attack before finishing clinically to double the advantage and confirm a commanding 2-0 scoreline.

The result hands Rangers a significant cushion ahead of the return leg as they seek to advance to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.