Enugu Rangers will have to face MC Alger in front of supporters in Friday’s decisive CAF Champions League return leg after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rejected their request for the match to be played behind closed doors, while ordering disciplinary proceedings over incidents reported during the first leg.
In a decision dated 22 October 2026, CAF’s Disciplinary Board dismissed Rangers International’s request concerning the return leg scheduled for 23 October in Algiers. The board also confirmed that it would open disciplinary proceedings relating to incidents reported during the first-leg encounter between the clubs.
The ruling leaves Rangers without the closed-door arrangement they sought for the second leg, while the separate disciplinary process means the circumstances surrounding the first meeting remain under scrutiny.
The return leg is scheduled to take place at the Stade Ali Ammar, with kick-off set for 8pm Nigerian time.
Rangers’ request rejected before decisive return
Rangers had asked CAF to order that the return leg be played behind closed doors, a request the Disciplinary Board has now rejected.
The decision means the Nigerian side must prepare for the contest under the existing match arrangements, with supporters permitted to attend rather than the stands being closed as Rangers requested.
With the tie reaching its decisive stage, the ruling adds another layer to the build-up. Rangers must now focus on the football in an away environment, knowing that the conditions they sought to change will remain in place.
CAF’s decision was issued on 22 October, just a day before the scheduled fixture, leaving little time for the clubs to adjust their preparations around the ruling.
READ MORE: Al Ahly consider players pay suspension after 3–3 draw
Although Rangers’ request was rejected, the decision was not the end of CAF’s consideration of the matter.
The Disciplinary Board confirmed that it would open proceedings concerning incidents reported during the first-leg match between Rangers and MC Alger.
The two parts of the ruling carry different implications for Rangers: their request to close the stadium has been dismissed, but the reported incidents from the first meeting will still be examined by CAF.
Any further disciplinary outcome will depend on the proceedings that follow.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The immediate challenge for Rangers is to navigate the return leg in Algiers and keep their Champions League campaign on course.
Playing away from home brings its own demands, and the rejection of their request means the team must contend with the match-day conditions as scheduled. Their attention will now turn to the contest itself, where performance over the 90 minutes will determine their immediate fate in the tie.
The timing of CAF’s decision ensures that the closed door issue will form part of the pre-match conversation, but the disciplinary proceedings remain a separate matter from the result to be decided on the pitch.
Pingback: MC Alger send message to fans before decisive Rangers showdown - The Athletic NG