Rangers have been warned to remain mentally prepared for a difficult CAF Champions League second-leg tie against MC Alger, despite taking a 2-0 lead from the opening match.

The crucial second preliminary round fixture will be played at Stade Ali-Ammar in Douera, Algeria, on Friday, with the Nigerian champions seeking to protect their advantage and reach the competition’s group stage.

Ayo Abdulrahman, Chief Operating Officer of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League, praised Rangers for their first-leg performance but said the team must maintain its concentration, determination and tactical discipline in the return fixture.

“Rangers players showed determination to win even when they were one player down, and winning by two goals was a befitting reward for the hardworking players and managers of the team,” Abdulrahman said, according to NPFLMedia.

He also cautioned the squad against assuming that the tie had already been decided.

“It’s not going to be a tea party; don’t expect them to offer you flowers. Stay focused, take the fight to them, and respond to the dictates of the game, especially when you have to defend.”

Rangers players and officials are expected to leave Nigeria for Algeria on Tuesday (today), ahead of Friday’s decisive encounter.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.

The team that finishes ahead on aggregate after the two legs will qualify for the lucrative group stage of the CAF Champions League.