MC Alger delivered one of their most complete performances of the CAF Champions League campaign, defeating Enugu Rangers International 3-0 at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers. The Algerian champions combined patient build-up with ruthless finishing after the break, turning a tight contest into a comfortable victory that strengthens their position in the group standings.

Match overview

MC Alger controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, pushing Enugu Rangers deep with a high defensive line and quick circulation through midfield. The Nigerian side initially defended in a compact block and looked to spring counterattacks through the channels, but they struggled to keep possession long enough to relieve pressure. Once MC Alger found the opening goal, the match opened up, and the home side’s superior movement and pressing intensity told in the second half.

Key moments

• 26th minute: Yacine Titraoui broke the deadlock with a low first-time finish after a clever cutback from the left, rewarding MC Alger’s early dominance.
• 41st minute: Enugu Rangers produced their best chance of the first half, but a driven effort from the edge of the box was held by Alexis Guendouz.
• 53rd minute: Sofiane Bayazid doubled the lead with a firm header from a corner, rising above his marker at the near post.
• 76th minute: Zakaria Draoui made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area, effectively ending the contest.
• 84th minute: Enugu Rangers threatened a consolation goal, but a late header drifted wide as MC Alger managed the closing stages comfortably.

Tactical story

MC Alger’s midfield trio set the tone, pressing Enugu Rangers’ first pass and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The home side repeatedly attacked through the left side, using overlaps to stretch the visitors’ back line. Enugu Rangers sat deep in a 4-4-2 shape, but their attempts to counter were too isolated, with the front pair often receiving the ball with limited support. As the game wore on, MC Alger’s superior fitness and rotation created gaps between the Nigerian side’s midfield and defence.

The second-half goals reflected that control. MC Alger increased their tempo after the interval, won more second balls and delivered better set pieces. Enugu Rangers’ goalkeeper kept the score respectable with several saves, but the visitors could not sustain enough possession to mount a serious comeback.

Standout players

Yacine Titraoui was central to MC Alger’s best moments, linking midfield and attack with sharp touches and intelligent runs. Sofiane Bayazid’s aerial threat gave the home side a direct option, while Zakaria Draoui combined energy with composure from the penalty spot. For Enugu Rangers, the goalkeeper and central defenders deserve credit for limiting the damage during long spells without the ball.

What the result means

The 3-0 win gives MC Alger a significant boost in the CAF Champions League group table, reinforcing their home form and goal difference. For Enugu Rangers International, the defeat leaves little margin for error in the remaining fixtures, and the Flying Antelopes will need to find more attacking fluency if they are to challenge for a knockout-stage place. The result also underlines MC Alger’s growing confidence in continental competition: organized at the back, creative in midfield and clinical in the final third.