By Kunle Solaja.

Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MCA) have warned their supporters against throwing objects onto the pitch or using laser beams during Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg against Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers, cautioning that misconduct could lead to severe sanctions against the Algerian club.

In a statement published on its Facebook page, MCA’s management urged supporters attending the match at the Ali Ammar Stadium in Douéra to demonstrate sportsmanship, respect the national flag and avoid actions that could attract disciplinary measures from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The warning comes as MCA prepare to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Rangers in their bid to reach the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

The club specifically cautioned fans against throwing fireworks, plastic bottles or any other objects onto the field. It also prohibited the use of laser beams, particularly when directed at opposing players.

MCA warned that such offences could expose the club to heavy penalties, potentially including an order to play future African matches without supporters.

The management’s appeal followed confirmation that Friday’s encounter would be played with spectators present, after CAF’s Competitions Committee rejected a request from the Nigerian club to stage the fixture behind closed doors, according to the Algerian newspaper El Khabar.

The decision means MCA will have the backing of their home supporters as they attempt to overturn the two-goal deficit, but the club’s administration is keen to ensure that crowd behaviour does not undermine its chances.

Rangers’ complaint behind security concerns

The fixture has been overshadowed by controversy following the first leg in Nigeria, where Rangers secured a 2-0 victory.

The Nigerian club subsequently lodged a complaint with CAF over incidents allegedly involving MCA supporters who travelled to support their team. MCA’s management categorically denied the allegations.

With the return leg expected to attract significant attention, the Algerian club has sought to remind its supporters that their conduct could have consequences extending beyond Friday’s match.

A ban on supporters at subsequent continental fixtures would be a significant setback for MCA, particularly if the club advances to the group stage.

Remontada mission

On the pitch, MCA face the difficult task of overturning Rangers’ advantage to keep their Champions League campaign alive.

The Algerians are drawing inspiration from previous continental comebacks, including their 1976 semi-final triumph over Rangers themselves, when they recovered from a 2-0 first-leg defeat to win the return match 3-0 and progress to the final.

However, Rangers will arrive in Algeria determined to protect their lead and secure qualification.

For MCA, Friday’s challenge is therefore twofold: produce the performance needed to overturn the deficit while ensuring that their supporters remain disciplined throughout the encounter.

The club’s management has made its position clear: the team needs the backing of its fans, but not at the cost of disciplinary trouble that could damage its continental ambitions.

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