By Kunle Solaja.

Mouloudia Club of Algiers (MCA) could be forced to play Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg against Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers behind closed doors, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to hear the Algerian club’s response to a complaint over alleged misconduct by its supporters.

Algerian newspaper El Khabar reported that CAF’s Disciplinary Committee has scheduled a virtual hearing with MCA officials for Thursday, following a complaint filed by Rangers over incidents during the first leg of the second preliminary round at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

The possibility of a supporters’ ban has heightened anxiety among MCA fans, who could be denied entry to the Ali Amar Stadium, popularly known as Ali La Pointe, in Douira, if CAF imposes a stadium sanction ahead of Friday’s encounter.

According to El Khabar, CAF wrote to MCA’s management on Monday, requesting explanations regarding the allegations levelled against the club and its supporters.

The Algerian newspaper also reported that MCA had been instructed to suspend ticket sales for the return fixture until the disciplinary committee reaches a decision after hearing the club’s defence and reviewing the available evidence.

Rangers reportedly accused MCA supporters of unsportsmanlike conduct during the first leg, including the alleged destruction of stadium seats. The Nigerian club also raised concerns about incidents surrounding the match and sought CAF’s intervention.

MCA has rejected the allegations against its supporters, insisting that the accusations were unfounded. The Algerian club also criticised the treatment of its delegation in Nigeria, citing difficult conditions during its stay and what it considered unfair refereeing.

The disciplinary committee is expected to consider the competing accounts before determining whether any sanctions are warranted.

For MCA, the timing of the proceedings could hardly be more critical. The Algerian side must overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg to keep its Champions League campaign alive, and the potential loss of home support would represent an additional challenge.

A decision to bar supporters from Friday’s match would deprive MCA of the atmosphere and backing it would ordinarily expect at home as it attempts to overturn Rangers’ advantage.

However, a ban has not been confirmed, and the final decision rests with CAF’s Disciplinary Committee following Thursday’s hearing.

Rangers are in Algeria seeking to protect their two-goal advantage, while MCA face the twin pressures of pursuing a comeback and awaiting a disciplinary verdict that could determine whether their supporters will be present for the decisive encounter.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H