Rangers Land in Algeria as CAF Appoints Lesotho Referee for MC Algiers Tie

Posted : 22 October 2026

Rangers International have arrived in Algeria ahead of Friday’s CAF Champions League second-leg encounter against MC Algiers, with the Nigerian champions seeking to protect their two-goal advantage and secure qualification for the group stage.

The Flying Antelopes arrived at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers on Tuesday evening ahead of the decisive fixture scheduled for the Martyr Ali Ammar Stadium in Douira.

The encounter is billed to kick off at 8 p.m. local time.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Lesotho official David Mulisa as the referee for the encounter.

Rangers head into the return leg with a 2-0 advantage following their victory over the Algerian side in Sunday's first leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The result leaves MC Algiers needing a strong performance on home soil to overturn the deficit and keep their continental campaign alive.

In preparation for the encounter, MC Algiers management has urged its supporters to rally behind the team while maintaining sportsmanship throughout the match.

In a statement, the club called on fans to continue supporting the players as they pursue qualification for the group stage.

“Continue to demonstrate sportsmanship, especially during the return match at the Martyr Ali Ammar Stadium, and continue supporting the team by all available means to achieve the desired qualification to the group stage,” the statement read.

However, the appeal has generated concerns among some Nigerian football followers over the atmosphere Rangers could face in Algeria, particularly following allegations of property damage and unsportsmanlike conduct involving some visiting supporters during the first leg in Abeokuta.

The concerns have heightened attention on security arrangements for the return fixture, with expectations of a large home crowd at the stadium.

For Rangers, the priority will be maintaining defensive discipline, managing the pressure, and making effective use of opportunities as they seek to complete the job against the Algerian club.

The Enugu side will qualify for the next stage if they preserve their aggregate advantage, while MC Algiers must overcome the deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.

Rangers Land in Algeria as CAF Appoints Lesotho Referee for MC Algiers Tie

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