MC Alger’s hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage suffered a major setback after they were beaten 2-0 by Enugu Rangers in Nigeria, while Raja Casablanca were denied an away win by a late El Kanemi Warriors equaliser in the CAF Confederation Cup.

MC Alger had travelled to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta for Sunday’s first leg in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. Despite playing with a numerical advantage for much of the match, the Algerian side were unable to take control of the contest.

Enugu Rangers were reduced to 10 players when Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute. However, MC Alger’s advantage disappeared when they were also reduced to 10 men later in the game.

The Nigerian side then struck twice in the closing stages, scoring in the 84th minute from the penalty spot before adding a second goal three minutes later. The result leaves MC Alger needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the return leg in Algiers on 23 October.

The pressure is now on manager Khaled Ben Yahia, with supporters already calling for his departure after the late collapse.

Raja Casablanca also faced Nigerian opposition on Sunday, travelling to the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne for their CAF Confederation Cup play-off against El Kanemi Warriors.

The Moroccan side fell behind in the sixth minute but recovered to lead through Mohammad Abu Zrayq, who equalised in the 24th minute. Raja then completed the turnaround shortly after the hour mark when Mathias Oyewusi Kehinde scored in the 60th minute.

A second late lapse prevented Raja from returning home with victory. El Kanemi Warriors levelled again in the 82nd minute to secure a 2-2 draw.

Despite surrendering their lead, Raja Casablanca leave Nigeria with two away goals, a potentially important advantage ahead of the second leg in Casablanca on 23 October. The result could work in the Moroccan club’s favour if the return match ends in another draw, given the away-goals rule.