CR Belouizdad: CAF Confederation Cup Draw & Latest News | DZfoot & Foot Africa Coverage
A late goal from Lofti Boussouar secured a 1-1 draw for CR Belouizdad against Al-Masry in the first leg of their CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal clash on . The match, played in Alexandria, saw Salah Mohsen give Al-Masry the lead from the penalty spot in the 55th minute, but Boussouar’s stoppage-time equalizer ensures the tie remains open heading into the second leg.
The game unfolded as a tightly contested North African derby, with both sides demonstrating tactical discipline and defensive resilience. Al-Masry, playing on home soil, started with intent, probing for openings in the Belouizdad defense. The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark when Mohsen confidently converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review following a foul on M. Temine. The decision to award the penalty was a significant moment, shifting the momentum in favor of the Egyptian side.
However, CR Belouizdad, coached by Benguit, who emphasized the team’s thorough analysis of their opponent, refused to yield. Benguit stated his team had “bien analysé l’adversaire” (well analyzed the opponent), a sentiment reflected in their determined performance. They continued to press for an equalizer, and their persistence paid off deep into added time. Boussouar, capitalizing on a late surge forward, found the back of the net to level the score and silence the home crowd.
The match saw a flurry of activity in the midfield, with players like M. Zeidan and A. Deghmoum for Al-Masry, and A. Meziane and M. Makhlouf for CR Belouizdad, battling for control. Yellow cards were issued to M. Makhlouf in the 48th minute and S. Boukhenchouche in the 29th and 71st minutes, indicating the intensity of the contest. Substitutions were made by both teams in an attempt to inject fresh energy and alter the tactical landscape. Al-Masry brought on B. Mugisha for K. Bambo and M. Gaber for D. Kaassis in the 80th minute, while CR Belouizdad introduced M. A. B. Hammouda for L. Boussouar in the 55th minute.
The officiating of the match fell to Congolese referee Jean-Jacques N’dala, who oversaw a game characterized by its physical nature and tactical nuances. The late penalty decision will likely be a talking point, but the draw reflects the competitive balance between the two teams.
This first leg encounter sets the stage for a compelling return fixture. CR Belouizdad will now appear to leverage their away goal advantage when they host Al-Masry. The Algerian side will be buoyed by their ability to snatch a draw on enemy territory, while Al-Masry will require to regroup and find a way to break down Belouizdad’s defense in the second leg. The outcome of this tie will have significant implications for both clubs’ chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup.
The CAF Confederations Cup, K.O. Phase, Quarterfinals, is proving to be a fiercely competitive tournament. Al-Masry and CR Belouizdad’s draw adds another layer of intrigue to the competition, demonstrating the growing quality of club football across the African continent. CR Belouizdad opened their 2025/26 campaign with a win over Singida Black Stars, setting a positive tone before facing Al-Masry.
Sofascore’s attack momentum data indicated a balanced contest, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance. The platform also provides detailed statistics on ball possession, shots, and other key metrics, offering fans a comprehensive overview of the match. The live score feature allowed followers to track the game in real-time, while the H2H results provided valuable context for the encounter.
The second leg promises to be a captivating affair, with both teams fully aware of the stakes. Al-Masry will need to overcome the psychological blow of conceding a late equalizer and find a way to exploit any vulnerabilities in the Belouizdad defense. CR Belouizdad, will be confident of securing their place in the semi-finals with a strong performance on home soil. The tie remains delicately poised, and the second leg is sure to deliver drama and excitement for fans of African football.