CAF Champions League: Enugu Rangers lead MC Alger 2-0, so what does El-Kanemi Warriors need against Raja in the Confederation Cup?

Two Nigerian clubs go away from home on 23 October with their CAF ties in different shapes: Enugu Rangers lead MC Alger 2-0 in the Champions League, while El-Kanemi Warriors are level at 2-2 with Raja Casablanca in the Confederation Cup.

The second-round first legs were played on Sunday 18 October, according to Flashscore. Rangers are also level on points with Rivers United at the top of the NPFL, as Soccernet reported after matchday 9, and visit Sporting Lagos on matchday 10, as previewed here.

Enugu Rangers: a two-goal lead, with a catch

Rangers beat MC Alger 2-0 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Flashscore reported. Kenneth Igboke scored from the penalty spot in the 87th minute and a second goal followed about three minutes later. MC Alger had a player sent off in the 13th minute and another in the 51st, per the same report.

The return leg is at the Ali La Pointe Stadium on 23 October, Flashscore said. We could not confirm a kick-off time or the referee from a source we opened.

El-Kanemi Warriors: level against Raja

El-Kanemi drew 2-2 with Raja Casablanca at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with their goals coming in the 6th and 82nd minutes, Flashscore reported. The second leg is at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on 23 October.

In a message after the game, as AfricaSoccer.com reported on 19 October, the club said:

“We are warriors, and we do not fear any challenge.”

AfricaSoccer.com says the Nigerian side aims to eliminate Raja and reach the group stage.

Analysis: two ties, two different jobs

Rangers’ job is to protect an advantage. A two-goal lead is a real cushion, but it is not a safe one away from home against a side that will have to score. MC Alger played much of the first leg a man down, so their true level is hard to judge from one game.

El-Kanemi’s job is harder because the tie is level and the second leg is in Casablanca. A 2-2 home draw keeps them alive, but the Warriors will need a result away from home against the bigger club. The sources we opened do not spell out what a level tie requires, but a win in Casablanca would put El-Kanemi ahead on aggregate, and none of them offers a view on how Raja approach the return.

Nigfooty said on 17 October that second legs run from 23 to 25 October, so both Nigerian sides will know where they stand within days.