MC Alger’s captain and centre-back Ayoub Abdellaoui has been officially ruled out of Sunday 18 October 2026’s first leg against Enugu Rangers after picking up a muscle injury against ASO Chlef.
MC Alger will have to do without their captain and centre-back Ayoub Abdellaoui for the trip to Enugu, where Enugu Rangers International await them on Sunday 18 October 2026. According to DzBallon, the player has been officially ruled out of this first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. He is suffering from a muscle injury picked up in the last league match against ASO Chlef.
Despite his injury, Abdellaoui travelled with the whole Algerian delegation to support the squad. A gesture that underlines his role as captain, but one that will not allow him to play. Coach Khaled Ben Yahia must therefore cope without his defensive linchpin for this continental fixture.
Menzla-Ghezala, a likely pairing
To make up for Abdellaoui’s absence, Khaled Ben Yahia is expected to field a central defensive pairing of Abdelkader Menzla and Ayoub Ghezala. A likely line-up, which has not yet been officially confirmed. The two centre-backs will need to stand firm against Enugu Rangers, who will be playing in front of their own fans.
This partnership will need to find its feet quickly, especially as the context is not ideal. The reigning Algerian champions are coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw against ASO Chlef in Ligue 1 Mobilis, the match in which Abdellaoui was injured. Deprived of their captain, the Mouloudia defence will need to stay focused to hold out away from home.
Nigelec eliminated, a group-stage place at stake
In the previous preliminary round, MC Alger qualified by eliminating Niger’s AS Nigelec, with a 0-0 draw in the first leg and then a resounding 5-0 win in the return. A run that contrasts with the draw conceded in the league.
This time, the stakes are even higher: a place in the CAF Champions League group stage is on the line in this two-legged tie. Sunday’s first leg in Enugu will be decisive for going into the return in the best possible shape, and the absence of Abdellaoui, a pillar of the defence, could tip the balance.
A return in Douera on 23 October
The return leg is scheduled for Friday 23 October 2026 at the Stade Ali-Ammar in Douera. MC Alger will first have to negotiate the trip to Nigeria as well as possible before hosting at home.
The return, scheduled for Friday 23 October 2026 at the Stade Ali-Ammar in Douera, will give the final answer on qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.