MC Alger travel to Nigeria on Sunday, 18 October, to face Enugu Rangers in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the African Champions League.

The Algerian side will be without captain Ayoub Abdellaoui as they look to secure a positive result before the return match. The game will be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 in both Algeria and Nigeria, with the match beginning at 15:00 in France. The fixture is expected to be broadcast on BeIn Sports Mena.

MC Alger reached this stage after overcoming Nigerien club ASN Nigelec in the opening round. The Algerian team drew the first leg 0-0 before completing the tie with a 5-0 victory in the return fixture.

However, they will have to make changes in defence after Abdellaoui was ruled out. According to Competition, the captain suffered a contracture in his right leg during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with ASO Chlef.

The central defender will still travel to Nigeria with his team-mates, but Abdelkader Menezla is expected to replace him in the heart of the defence.

Enugu Rangers will aim to use home advantage to establish a lead in the tie. The Nigerian club drew 2-2 with Barau FC in their most recent match, having previously beaten Abia Warriors 3-1 in the league.

MC Alger will therefore need to remain defensively disciplined if they are to avoid damaging their chances of progressing before the second leg.

The return fixture is due to take place in Algeria on Friday, 23 October. The winner of the two-legged contest will qualify for the group stage of the African Champions League.