MC Alger fought back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to knock Rangers International out of the CAF Champions League following a dramatic second half at Ali La Pointe Stadium on Friday.
Rangers appeared well placed to defend their advantage for much of the match, thanks in part to goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke, who made several crucial saves to keep the Algerian side at bay.
However, MC Alger’s pressure eventually told, with a goal from substitute Boukholda followed by strikes from Bangoura and Bayazid turning the tie around and leaving the Nigerian champions facing a painful exit.
Rangers had arrived in Algeria with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, when Kenneth Igboke scored from the penalty spot before James Emo added a second goal.
The visitors started with discipline and determination, restricting MC Alger’s attacking options during a cagey opening period.
Naidji wasted the hosts’ first opportunity in the opening minute, sending his effort badly off target, while Emo was booked in the 10th minute.
Rangers continued to defend resolutely, with Khelif heading Patrick Okoko’s free-kick behind for a corner in the 13th minute.
Kenneth Igboke collected the ball after the resulting set-piece and attempted a long-range effort, but goalkeeper Ramdane read the danger and made the save.
MC Alger continued searching for an opening, with Ferhat delivering a cross that Naidji knocked down for Mehdaoui, whose attempt missed the target.
As the half progressed, Rangers tightened the spaces and made it difficult for the Algerian champions to find a way through.
A defensive misunderstanding between Abuchi and Iwundu briefly gave Bangoura an opportunity, but full-back Oputa produced a crucial last-ditch block to prevent the danger from escalating.
Abuchi then denied Naidji from close range in the 44th minute as MC Alger increased the pressure before half-time.
The goalkeeper was called into action again shortly afterwards, sweeping away danger after Ghezala’s long ball cut through the Rangers defence. Abuchi appeared to take a knock to the thigh during the intervention.
MC Alger came out aggressively after the restart, with Bangoura curling an effort narrowly wide before Khelif sent a shot over the crossbar from around 25 yards.
The hosts finally broke through from a corner. Halaimia delivered the ball into the area, and a free header dropped for substitute Boukholda, who finished from close range to reduce the deficit.
Khelif continued to cause problems from set-pieces, delivering another dangerous free-kick that Zougrana failed to convert despite finding himself unmarked at close range.
Rangers’ defensive resistance suffered another setback in the 68th minute when Iwundu clattered into Khelif, prompting the referee to award MC Alger a penalty.
However, Abuchi emerged as Rangers’ hero once again, producing a stunning save to deny Bangoura from the spot and keep his side in contention.
The goalkeeper followed that intervention with another routine save from Kohili’s header as the Algerian side continued to push for the goals they needed.
Rangers briefly threatened on the counter-attack when Precious Agu broke forward in the 81st minute. With Igwilo available for a pass, Agu cut back, allowing Menezla to intervene. Rangers appealed for a corner, but the referee awarded a goal kick.
MC Alger drew level in the tie in the 85th minute when Naidji’s free header was saved by Abuchi, but Bangoura reacted quickest to turn home the rebound from close range.
With Rangers struggling to contain the mounting pressure, the hosts struck again in the 91st minute. Bayazid evaded Godwin Obaje before finishing with a flying header to complete MC Alger’s comeback.
