MC Alger, beaten 2-0 in the first leg in Nigeria, host Enugu Rangers on Friday without midfielder Marwan Khalif or striker Oussama Benhaoua, both ruled out. International defender Mohamed Benkhemassa, however, has been given the medical green light.
MC Alger have confirmed that midfielder Marwan Khalif and striker Oussama Benhaoua are unavailable for the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, according to Leadership Newspapers. Another blow for the Algiers club, who must overturn a two-goal deficit.
The Mouloudia lost 2-0 in the first leg, played in Abeokuta, Nigeria. To qualify, they will now need a clear-cut performance at home, with the tie set for this Friday, 23 October 2026.
A crowded treatment room
The Mouloudia staff therefore lose a midfielder and a striker. Khalif and Benhaoua will be missing, but the available information specifies neither the nature of their injuries nor how long they will be out. Coach Khaled Ben Yahia will have to do without them.
One piece of good news, however: international defender Mohamed Benkhemassa has been given the medical green light to take his place, reports Daily Post Nigeria.
A first leg marked by sendings-off
In the first leg, Enugu Rangers were down to ten men as early as the 13th minute, after their goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off. The Mouloudia also finished with ten: Benhaoua, sent off in the 51st minute, was unable to influence the end of the match, according to DzChronique.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Rangers scored both their goals late in the game: Kenneth Igboke from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, then James Emo in the 87th. Those two late strikes have left MCA in a delicate position before the return leg.
Three goals clear for direct qualification
The Mouloudia must win by at least three goals to qualify directly for the Champions League group stage. A 2-0 victory would send both teams to extra time and then penalties, according to DzChronique.
The match is subject to special security arrangements, approved by the CAF commission, according to Football Écologie France.
The game is scheduled for Friday 23 October at 20:00 at the Ali-Ammar stadium.