MC Alger Edge TP Mazembe to Boost CAF Champions League Quarter-Final Hopes

MC Alger kept their quarter-final dreams alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over TP Mazembe in a TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group A clash on Friday. Akram Bouras’ composed penalty in the 36th minute proved decisive at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962, lifting Mouloudia to eight points and solidifying their hold on second place in the group standings.

Meanwhile, Mazembe’s struggles in the competition continued, with the Congolese giants still winless and eliminated after collecting just two points from five matches.

A Cagey Start with a Critical Moment

The game began with both teams struggling to assert dominance. Mazembe had the first notable opportunity in the 22nd minute when Bongeli Beenga delivered a dangerous cross that went begging for a finishing touch.

Mouloudia broke the deadlock in the 36th minute after Tayeb Meziani was fouled in the box, prompting South African referee Abongile Tom to award a penalty. Akram Bouras stepped up confidently, sending his spot-kick into the top center of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home supporters.

A Determined Mazembe, But No Breakthrough

Trailing by a goal, Mazembe emerged with more urgency in the second half but continued to falter in the attacking third. Their best chance came in the 73rd minute when Jean Diouf’s effort seemed destined for the back of the net, only for MC Alger goalkeeper Abdelkader Menezla to make a sensational save to keep his side in the lead.

Mouloudia nearly doubled their advantage late in the match. Zakaria Naidji and Andy Delort both struck the woodwork in the dying minutes, but the Algerians held firm to claim all three points.

Group A Standings and What’s Next

With Al Hilal of Sudan already assured of qualification, MC Alger’s victory sets the stage for a tense final group-stage encounter. The Algerian side will travel to Dar es Salaam for a high-stakes clash against Young Africans, who currently sit third with four points. A positive result in that match would secure Mouloudia’s passage to the quarter-finals.

For TP Mazembe, their campaign comes to a disappointing end. They will host Al Hilal in their final group-stage match, with pride the only prize left to play for after a winless run in the competition.

Key Takeaways

• MC Alger’s solid defensive display and Bouras’ penalty proved decisive.
• Abdelkader Menezla’s crucial save underlined his importance to Mouloudia’s campaign.
• Mazembe’s elimination highlights their struggles to capitalize on opportunities throughout the tournament.

As the CAF Champions League group stages near their conclusion, MC Alger will hope to maintain their momentum in Dar es Salaam and secure a coveted quarter-final spot.