Algeria’s MC Alger produced a stunning comeback to reach the 2026-27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage in style, after defeating Nigeria’s Rangers International 3-0 on Friday at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Algiers, to reverse their 2-0 defeat last weekend in Abeokuta and complete a 3-2 aggregate win.
After a goalless first half, things became to be stressful for MC Alger as they needed to score three unanswered goals in 45 minutes if they were to reach the group stage.
The comeback started after 58 minutes when Chahreddine Boukholda gave “Moulodia” the lead to send a glimpse of hope to their supporters.
Six minutes from full time, Guinean Mohamed Bangoura added MC Alger second to tie the encounter 2-2 on aggregate amid huge celebrations in the stands.
And with a shootout looming, Soufiane Bayazid scored three minutes into injury time as MC Alger completed a remarkable comeback to win 3-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate, while Rangers were dealt a heartbreak.
MC Alger will now look to go as far as they can in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, half a century after the title they achieved back in 1976,incidentally when they also stopped Rangers enroute to winning the title.
Wiliete Stun Sundowns In CAF Champions League Shock
Meanwhile, in a stunning turn of events, Angola’s Wiliete SC pulled off one of the greatest upsets in CAF Champions League history by knocking out the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, after a gripping 1-1 draw in Pretoria.
This result allowed Wiliete to advance to the group stage on the away goals rule. Last weekend, the two teams played to a goalless draw in Benguela, setting the stage for Sundowns to be the favourites at home as they aimed to continue their title defence.
The match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria began on a high note for “The Brazilians,” who took an early lead when Tashreeq Williams scored just 11 minutes into the game, seemingly paving the way for the two-time champions to progress.
As the teams headed into halftime, Sundowns held a 1-0 lead, both for the night and on aggregate. Determined to secure their spot in the next round, Sundowns came out strong after the break, pushing hard for a second goal.
However, disaster struck when Cristovao Paciencia “Mabululu” equalised for Wiliete just four minutes into the second half, levelling the score at 1-1 on aggregate.
With the away goal advantage tipping in Wiliete’s favour, Sundowns ramped up their offensive efforts, but Wiliete remained resolute, defending diligently against the relentless assault. As time ticked away, Wiliete managed to hold on to the crucial draw, completing a remarkable upset.
Founded only in 2018, Wiliete SC has now earned a spot in the prestigious group stage of the CAF Champions League, leaving Mamelodi Sundowns to ponder their missed opportunities.
Credit: Alie Bittar
