On paper, MC Alger of Algeria have the better rating than their hosts, Enugu Rangers, but the Flying Antelopes believe that the game on the pitch this weekend will decide the better side.

Enugu Rangers are experienced campaigners on the continent, but they meet an MC Alger side who have mastered the art of getting to the business end of the championship very well.

The last time Rangers got to the group stage of the CAF Champions League, the finished outside the qualification range hence their determination to get to the semifinals, at least, this term.

To do this, the Coal City boys are calling on all Nigerian football lovers to troop out en masse to sing them to victory at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, tomorrow.

This is the second preliminary round fixture of the Champions League and Rangers need a good win at home to make the return leg less stressful.

On Thursday, Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, appealed to members of the Nigerian football family to demonstrate their solidarity with the team by attending the encounter and providing the necessary encouragement.

He said that the game became more important to the country since Rangers carry the hopes, pride and aspirations of Enugu State and the country on the continental stage.

Ezeaku acknowledged that a strong performance and positive result in Abeokuta would place the Flying Antelopes in a more favourable position as they prepare for the return leg in Algeria.

He said: “Your presence will make a difference,” the management declared, emphasising the importance of “unity, belief and collective commitment to Nigerian football.”

He urged these partners and the wider football community to stand firmly behind Rangers at this defining moment, noting that their support would send a powerful message of unity and confidence in the country’s football representatives.

Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors FC have assured Nigerians that they are capable of upsetting Moroccan giants, Raja Casablanca when they meet in the CAF Confederation Cup tomorrow.

El-Kanemi will host the North Africans on Sunday in a second preliminary round at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.

The Babagana Umara Zulum Boys said in a statememt yesterday that they are focused and determined as they prepare for this important continental encounter.

El-Kanemi qualified for the second preliminary round of the Confederation Cup by beating Guinea Bissau’s UDIB 3-1 on aggregate. (Guardian)