CR Belouizdad have booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in three decades after a tense goalless draw against Egypt’s Al-Masry in Algiers.
The Algerian side progressed on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Egypt, with Saturday’s stalemate at the Nelson Mandela Stadium proving enough to secure a historic qualification.
It marks Belouizdad’s first appearance in a continental semi-final since 1996, ending a long wait for a club determined to re-establish itself among Africa’s elite.
Early intent but no breakthrough
Backed by a lively home crowd, Belouizdad started the match on the front foot, pressing high and looking to seize early control of the contest.
Their first clear opportunity came inside seven minutes when Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda found space in the box, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Al-Masry goalkeeper Essam Tharwat.
The hosts continued to push forward, with defender Hussein Ben Ayada forcing a strong save midway through the first half as the Algerian side sought to break the deadlock.
Moments later, Ben Hammouda threatened again, this time with a header that drifted narrowly over the crossbar following a swift counter-attack.
Al-Masry respond before the break
Despite Belouizdad’s early dominance, Al-Masry gradually grew into the game and began to create chances of their own.
The Egyptian side came close to scoring just before half-time when a powerful long-range effort tested goalkeeper Farid Chaal, who reacted well to turn the ball away for a corner.
There was further danger moments later when a loose ball inside the penalty area caused confusion in the Belouizdad defence, but the hosts managed to recover and clear the threat.
Both teams went into the interval level, with the tie still finely balanced.
Tense second half battle
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides showing attacking intent but struggling to find the decisive moment.
Belouizdad remained organised and disciplined, aware that maintaining their defensive structure would be key to preserving their advantage on aggregate.
Al-Masry, needing a goal to progress, increased their attacking pressure as the match entered its final stages.
The Egyptian side pushed forward with greater urgency in the closing 15 minutes, with forward Daghmoum emerging as a constant threat to the Belouizdad backline.
However, the Algerian defence held firm under sustained pressure, with goalkeeper Chaal and his defenders maintaining composure to keep their opponents at bay.
Historic qualification sealed
As the final whistle sounded, scenes of celebration erupted inside the Nelson Mandela Stadium, with Belouizdad players and supporters marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.
The goalless draw proved sufficient to send the Algerian side into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the clash between Zamalek of Egypt and Congo’s Otoho.
For Al-Masry, the result brought an end to their campaign despite a determined performance, particularly in the latter stages of the match.
Belouizdad, meanwhile, now look ahead with renewed ambition, having ended a 30-year wait to return to the last four of a continental competition — a moment that signals their resurgence on the African stage.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
