Algerian side, CR Belouizdad made history with a dramatic 1-0 win over Egyptian giants Al Ahly in a Total Energies CAF Champions League clash on Friday night at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers.
Noufel Khacef’s decisive strike in first-half stoppage time secured Belouizdad’s maiden victory over Al Ahly in six encounters and ended the Egyptian champions’ impressive 27-match unbeaten streak in the competition.
The game began with both teams adopting a measured approach, battling for dominance in midfield. Al Ahly threatened early on when Yahya Attiat Allah’s curling free kick narrowly missed the target.
Belouizdad thought they had opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Khanyisa Mayo, but the goal was ruled out for offside The second half saw Belouizdad ramp up the intensity, with the hosts relentlessly testing Al Ahly’s defense. Substitute Islam Slimani injected fresh energy into the Algerian attack, and their persistence finally paid dividends.
In stoppage time, Khacef pounced on a rebound after Mohamed El-Shennawy parried an initial effort, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.
Al Ahly responded by introducing Percy Tau and Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’ in a late attempt to salvage the game, but their efforts were thwarted by a resilient Belouizdad defense.
The win moves Belouizdad to second place in Group C with six points, just one behind leaders Al Ahly, who remain on seven points. Orlando Pirates, with a game in hand, sit third.
This defeat not only halts Al Ahly’s unbeaten run but also sets up a nail-biting conclusion to the group stage, with all teams still in contention for qualification.
