CAF appoints security expert for Rangers vs MC Alger Champions League return leg

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has strengthened security arrangements ahead of the high-risk second-leg encounter between MC Alger and Rangers International in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

As part of the additional measures, CAF has appointed Ugandan security expert Dixon Okello to oversee security arrangements for the decisive fixture.

The appointment is an unusual step for a preliminary-round match, as security officers and general coordinators are not routinely deployed for games at this stage of the competition.

However, tensions surrounding the encounter have prompted the continental football governing body to introduce additional precautions to safeguard players, match officials and other stakeholders.

The decision follows incidents reported during the first-leg encounter, with CAF keen to prevent a recurrence during the return fixture in Algeria.

The enhanced security measures highlight the seriousness with which CAF is treating the match, as both teams prepare for a decisive battle for a place in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

Rangers International head into the encounter with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and will be seeking to protect their lead, while MC Alger must overturn the deficit to keep their continental campaign alive.

The outcome of the two-legged tie will determine which team progresses to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.