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Algiers<\/strong> \u2013 MC Algiers (Mouloudia Club d’Alger), one of Algeria\u2019s representatives in the CAF Champions League, is set to host Sudan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the captain, Ayoub Abdellaoui, and his teammates, the stakes couldn\u2019t 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\u2019s most prominent tacticians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking at the press conference after last Saturday’s match, MC Algiers\u2019 French coach, Patrice Beaumelle, expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent victory and optimism ahead of facing Al-Hilal. \u201cI\u2019m pleased with this win; it\u2019s a great relief before hosting Al-Hilal. We feel liberated after securing our first home victory at July 5th Stadium,\u201d Beaumelle stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the team will miss Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Zagrana, who sustained an Achilles tendon injury during the previous match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MC Algiers vs. Al-Hilal clash will be officiated by a Beninese refereeing team led by Louis Houngnandande, assisted by Aim\u00e9 Ulrich Ay\u00e9mavo (assistant referee 1) and Kodogbo Augustin Kougbemede (assistant referee 2), with Issa Mohamed serving as the fourth official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, Algeria\u2019s 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\u2019s participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHigh Stakes for MC Algiers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Al-Hilal\u2019s Unbeaten Streak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Match Officials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Group A\u2019s Other Match<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postponed Fixture for CR Belouizdad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n