Algiers – MC Algiers (Mouloudia Club d’Alger), one of Algeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, is set to host Sudan’s Al-Hilal on Saturday evening at the Olympic Stadium of July 5th (8:00 PM local time). The Algerian side aims to secure a victory that would propel them to the top of Group A in this crucial third round of the group stage.
Currently second in the group with four points, MC Algiers comes into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Young Africans last Saturday, marking their first home win of the season across all competitions. However, they face a formidable opponent in Al-Hilal, the group leader with six points, who remains unbeaten after consecutive victories, including a 2-1 triumph over TP Mazembe in Nouakchott last Sunday.
High Stakes for MC Algiers
For the captain, Ayoub Abdellaoui, and his teammates, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would significantly enhance their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals. The reigning Algerian league champions must deliver their best performance to overcome Al-Hilal, coached by the experienced Florent Ibenge, one of Africa’s most prominent tacticians.
Speaking at the press conference after last Saturday’s match, MC Algiers’ French coach, Patrice Beaumelle, expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent victory and optimism ahead of facing Al-Hilal. “I’m pleased with this win; it’s a great relief before hosting Al-Hilal. We feel liberated after securing our first home victory at July 5th Stadium,” Beaumelle stated.
However, the team will miss Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Zagrana, who sustained an Achilles tendon injury during the previous match.
Al-Hilal’s Unbeaten Streak
Al-Hilal, arriving in Algeria on Tuesday, seeks to maintain its position at the top of the group and extend an impressive 15-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Led by star striker Mohamed Abdel Rahman “Gharbal,” the team has also been competing in the Mauritanian league alongside Al-Merrikh due to the situation in Sudan. Al-Hilal currently leads the Mauritanian league with 20 points, two points ahead of Nouakchott King’s.
Match Officials
The MC Algiers vs. Al-Hilal clash will be officiated by a Beninese refereeing team led by Louis Houngnandande, assisted by Aimé Ulrich Ayémavo (assistant referee 1) and Kodogbo Augustin Kougbemede (assistant referee 2), with Issa Mohamed serving as the fourth official.
Group A’s Other Match
Earlier on Saturday (2:00 PM), TP Mazembe (3rd place, 1 point) will face bottom-placed Young Africans (0 points) at the Lubumbashi Stadium, where both teams will be desperate to avoid defeat.
Postponed Fixture for CR Belouizdad
Meanwhile, Algeria’s other CAF Champions League representative, CR Belouizdad, had its Group C match against Al-Ahly of Egypt postponed to December 22, 2024, due to Al-Ahly’s participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
