MCA scrape through to CAFCL quarterfinals

Mouloudia Club d’Alger have scraped through to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after recording a 1-1 draw away to Esperance de Tunis in their final Group D match, played at the Olympic Stadium in Rades on Saturday evening.

MCA at one stage found themselves staring down the barrel at elimination, as they trailed the Blood and Gold for the better part of 40 minutes in their match, at the same time that Zamalek were easily winning at home to Teungueth – a combination of results which would have seen the Egyptian side advance at the expense of their Algerian counterparts.

However, The Green and Red were able to claim an equaliser and ensure that they will join Esperance in the quarterfinal draw at the end of the month.

The teams traded early half-chances as they both looked to settle into rhythm in the game, but it was Esperance who took control of the midfield battle and began exerting pressure in attack.

Just past the half-hour mark they were rewarded with the opening goal, as Nassim Ben Khalifa got on the end of Anice Badri’s assist and provided a crisp finish beyond goalkeeper Abdelkader Sahi.

MC Alger looked for a quick response through Billel Bensaha, but his tame effort was easily saved by Moez Ben Cherifa, ensuring the Blood and Gold enjoyed a 1-0 lead at the interval.

The Algerians, knowing that Zamalek were comfortably on course for victory in the other game, had to start showing more attacking intent in the second half, and the introductions of Walid Allati and Abderrahmane Bourdim were intended to give them more thrust from midfield.

Midway through the second half MCA got back on level terms, with Abdenour Belkheir scoring in the 68th minute after a period of pressure from the visitors, though Esperance will feel their defence could have done more to prevent the equaliser.

The teams cagily played out the rest of the match, knowing that the result suited both: Esperance would finish top and avoid fellow group winners in the next round, while MCA could settle their nerves after being on the verge of elimination and secure a first progression to the quarterfinals since 1980.

Esperance de Tunis (1) 1 (Ben Khalifa 32’)

Mouloudia Club d’Alger (0) 1 (Belkheir 68’)