By Kunle Solaja

Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MCA) coach Khaled Ben Yahia has challenged his players to launch an early offensive against Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers on Friday as the Algerian giants attempt to overturn a 2-0 deficit and keep their CAF Champions League campaign alive.

According to Algerian newspaper L’Expression, Ben Yahia wants his team to put Rangers under intense pressure within the opening 30 minutes of the return-leg encounter at Ali Ammar Stadium, popularly known as Ali La Pointe, in Douéra.

The coach believes an early goal would boost MCA’s confidence and strengthen their belief that they can overturn the first-leg defeat suffered at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

However, while urging his players to attack aggressively, Ben Yahia has also emphasised the need for clinical finishing, collective discipline and defensive concentration to prevent Rangers from exploiting their opponents on the counter-attack.

The Algerian side resumed training on Tuesday at the Zéralda Training Centre, with the technical crew working on a tactical plan designed to break down the Nigerian opposition.

According to L’Expression, recent training sessions have focused on improving coordination between the defence, midfield and attack, with particular attention to the collective effort required to overcome a Rangers side regarded as dangerous on the counter.

Returning players offer MCA hope

MCA’s hopes of producing a comeback have been boosted by the expected return of Mohamed Benkhemassa, Mohamed Zograne and Saliou Bangoura, who missed the first leg for various reasons.

Bangoura’s availability remains a consideration, with Naidji identified as a possible alternative to lead the attack if the forward is unable to feature.

The possible return of right-back Reda Helaimia could also strengthen Ben Yahia’s options. His experience and attacking contributions are considered important to the coach’s tactical approach.

However, Kohili will definitely miss the encounter because of a forefoot injury that requires a 21-day period of recovery.

MCA were weakened by the absence of six players in the first leg, according to L’Expression, and the anticipated reinforcements could provide the Algerians with greater depth for Friday’s decisive contest.

Coach under pressure after first-leg defeat

The first-leg loss reportedly angered MCA supporters, who criticised Ben Yahia’s team selection and decisions.

Despite the discontent, the club’s supporters are expected to rally behind the players as they seek to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the Champions League group stage.

The challenge, however, is considerable. MCA must score at least twice without conceding to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out, while a three-goal victory would secure qualification outright. Any Rangers away goals do not carry extra weight under CAF’s current two-legged competition rules.

Ben Yahia’s insistence on defensive discipline reflects the danger of allowing Rangers to score in Algeria, which would increase the home side’s scoring burden.

The Nigerian representatives, having established a two-goal advantage in Abeokuta, will be seeking to protect their lead and exploit any spaces created by MCA’s expected attacking approach.

Memories of 1976 inspire comeback hopes

MCA supporters are also drawing inspiration from the club’s continental history, particularly the remarkable comeback against a Nigerian opponent in 1976 that helped secure their only continental trophy.

The Algerian club will hope to reproduce that spirit as they prepare to face Rangers before what L’Expression expects to be a packed home crowd in Douéra.

For MCA, Friday’s encounter represents more than an opportunity to erase a two-goal deficit. It is a test of Ben Yahia’s tactical decisions, the players’ composure and the team’s ability to respond to mounting pressure.

Rangers, meanwhile, will arrive in Algeria knowing that disciplined defending and effective counter-attacking could carry them into the next round.

With qualification still within reach for both sides, MCA’s plan is clear: attack from the opening whistle, seek an early breakthrough and remain sufficiently organised to prevent Rangers from delivering a decisive counter-punch.

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