MCA: The opponent has filed a complaint with the CAF!

Oct 19, 2026

The defeat suffered in Nigeria could have far-reaching consequences beyond just the sporting result. With a complaint filed with the CAF, a return match marked by high tension, and the risk of a historic void on the continental stage, the pressure is mounting.

MC Alger returned from Nigeria with a painful defeat and now has an off-field issue to manage. On Sunday, MCA lost 2-0 to Enugu Rangers at the MKO-Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, during the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Although the Nigerians were reduced to ten men as early as the 13th minute, they held firm until MCA also lost a player in the 52nd minute. The hosts ultimately made the difference late in the match, scoring a penalty in the 83rd minute, followed by a second goal four minutes later. A member of the Mouloudia staff was also sent off in the 70th minute.

The day after this tense match, Rangers International announced they had officially approached the CAF. In their statement, the Nigerian club reported several incidents involving visiting supporters that allegedly occurred during and after the match. The Rangers mentioned, among other things, the reported destruction of a stadium entrance gate, the entry of supporters without paying admission fees, the damage to seats, and "other acts of disorder." The club specified that they had submitted these details to the continental body and are now requesting its intervention.

In their request, Rangers specifically demand that the CAF examine the implementation of "appropriate precautionary measures" before the return match. The club also reaffirms its commitment "to fair play, respect for regulations, and the safety of players, officials, and supporters," while expressing confidence in the CAF's procedures. To date, no sanctions or decisions from the continental body have been announced. The return leg is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at the Ali-Ammar Stadium in Douera, with two goals to make up for Mouloudia.

Furthermore, several images shared on social media challenge the version presented by the Nigerian club. In some photos taken during the match, the area that was later claimed to have been "vandalized" by MCA supporters appears devoid of Algerian fans, while several seats seem to have already been damaged. These images raise questions about the true origin of some of the damages mentioned in Enugu Rangers' statement. They could suggest that part of the damage was already present during the match, in an area not occupied by the Chnaoua. At this stage, however, no independent official verification allows for a definitive establishment of the exact timeline of the damages or to formally determine responsibility.

The stakes go beyond just the future of MCA. After the elimination of JS Saoura in the first preliminary round against Horoya AC, losing 3-1 in the return after winning 1-0 in the first leg, Mouloudia is the last Algerian club still in competition. If eliminated by the Rangers, no Algerian club would participate in the group stage for the first time since 2013. That year, ES Sétif was eliminated by AC Léopards on penalties, while JSM Béjaïa failed against Espérance de Tunis before the group stage. The following year, ESS managed to reach that stage… before going all the way and winning the 2014 Champions League.

DZfoot