Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has warned his players against complacency ahead of Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg against MC Alger, insisting that the Flying Antelopes must approach the encounter as though they are trailing by two goals.
Rangers secured a 2-0 victory in Sunday’s first leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, courtesy of late goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo.
The result gives the Nigerian champions a significant advantage ahead of the decisive second preliminary-round fixture in Algeria on October 23, with a place in the competition’s group stage at stake.
However, Ilechukwu believes protecting the advantage will require the same determination and tactical discipline that helped his side overcome the Algerian champions in Abeokuta.
The Rangers coach maintained that his players must avoid travelling to Algeria with the mentality that qualification is already secured.
Instead, he wants them to approach the return fixture as a fresh challenge, prepare thoroughly and identify the right tactical strategy to withstand the pressure expected from their hosts.
Ilechukwu also emphasised the importance of arriving early in Algeria to give his players sufficient time to adjust to the environment and prepare for the encounter.
Rangers showed resilience in the first leg after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was dismissed early in the contest. MC Alger were subsequently reduced to ten men before Igboke converted a late penalty and Emo doubled the advantage.
The two-goal cushion puts Rangers in a strong position, but the club will be mindful of their 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs semi-final against MC Alger, when they surrendered a 2-0 first-leg advantage following a 3-0 defeat in Algeria.
Rangers need to avoid defeat by more than one goal to guarantee progression to the group stage without requiring further tie-breaking procedures.
For Ilechukwu, the message is that Rangers must remain focused, disciplined and prepared for a difficult night in Algeria despite their first-leg advantage.
