MC Alger secured a place in the CAF Champions League group stage after defeating Rangers 3-0 in the second leg of the second preliminary round on Friday, October 23, 2026. The match took place at Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douera. This result confirmed the Algerian club's advancement following the conclusion of the second leg fixture.
Overcoming the First Leg Deficit
MC Alger entered the second leg at Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douera facing a significant deficit from the opening match of the series. The Algerian club suffered a 0-2 loss against Rangers during the first leg contest held in Nigeria on Sunday, October 18, 2026. That result left the team trailing by two goals as they prepared for the return match on home soil. The reversal of that initial margin during the second leg allowed MC Alger to overcome the aggregate disadvantage and earn a spot in the CAF Champions League group stage.
Decisive Second Half Performance
Chahreddine Boukhalda broke the deadlock for MC Alger in the 58th minute, providing the opening goal that narrowed the aggregate deficit against Rangers. The hosts maintained their momentum despite a setback shortly after, when Mohamed Bangoura missed a penalty kick in the 70th minute.
Mohamed Bangoura recovered from the earlier miss to score the second goal for MC Alger in the 85th minute, effectively leveling the aggregate score and putting the home side in a position to secure the overall victory. Soufiane Bayazid finalized the result by scoring the third goal for MC Alger in the 92nd minute. This late strike confirmed the 3-0 win on the night and ensured the club's progression to the CAF Champions League group stage.
Upcoming Group Stage Schedule
The Confederation of African Football has scheduled the CAF Champions League group stage to occur between November 27, 2026, and January 24, 2027. MC Alger will participate in this stage following their victory against Rangers. Matches during this period will determine which clubs advance from the group phase to the subsequent rounds of the tournament. The tournament calendar establishes a structured timeline for the participating teams to compete for positions in the knockout stages. All clubs involved in the group stage must adhere to these dates as they prepare for their respective fixtures throughout the winter months. These matches represent the next phase of the competition for the qualified teams.
