Nigeria’s surviving team in the CAF Champions League, Enugu Rangers, will battle with Algeria’s MC Algers in the final preliminary round for the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

The Nigerian champions overcame Benin Republic’s AS Sobemap 5–4 on penalties to advance to this stage, while their compatriots, Rivers United, fell to Cote d’Ivoire’s San Pedro on the away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate finish to their first round tie.

If Rangers overcome the Algerians they will move to the lucrative group stage of the championship.

Their opponents, MC Alger, delivered one of the biggest second-leg performances, beating ASN Nigelec 5-0 to get the chance of joining some of Africa’s biggest clubs in the race for the 16 places in the group stage.

Following the completion of the First Preliminary Round over the weekend, the field has been narrowed and the successful clubs will now be joined by defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance and RS Berkane, who received byes into this stage.

The first legs of the Second Preliminary Round will be played from October 16 to 18, with the return matches scheduled for October 23-25. The 16 winners will advance to the group stage, which begins at the end of November.