CR Belouizdad have secured a historic place in the semi-finals of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup after edging past Egypt’s Al-Masry in a tense quarter-final clash played in Algiers on Saturday night.
The Algerian giants held their opponents to a goalless draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, a result that proved enough to send them through on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Egypt.
The outcome marks a significant milestone for Belouizdad, who have now reached a continental semi-final for the first time since 1996, ending a three-decade wait and underlining their growing presence once again on the African football stage.
CR Belouizdad eliminate Al-Masry to end 30-year wait for continental semi-final
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Belouizdad began the match with confidence and urgency, determined to make early use of home advantage.
Their attacking intent was evident from the opening minutes as they pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda had the first real opportunity of the match inside seven minutes, finding space in the penalty area, but his effort lacked the power needed to trouble Al-Masry goalkeeper Essam Tharwat.
The hosts continued to apply pressure, with Hussein Ben Ayada coming close midway through the first half after forcing a strong save from Tharwat.
Ben Hammouda remained a constant threat and nearly put Belouizdad ahead with a header that narrowly sailed over the crossbar following a quick counter-attack.
Despite the early dominance from the Algerian side, Al-Masry gradually settled into the game and began to create chances of their own. The visitors nearly stunned the home crowd just before halftime when a powerful long-range strike tested goalkeeper Farid Chaal, who reacted well to push the ball away for a corner.
Moments later, a loose ball inside the Belouizdad penalty area caused panic in defence, but the hosts managed to clear the danger and head into the break with the score still level.
The second half was a tense and tactical affair, with both sides showing attacking ambition while maintaining defensive discipline. Belouizdad remained well-organized, knowing that avoiding conceding was key to protecting their aggregate advantage. Al-Masry, on the other hand, increased their urgency as time ticked away, pushing more players forward in search of the decisive goal.
In the final stages, Al-Masry piled on the pressure, with forward Daghmoum leading their attacking efforts and constantly troubling the Belouizdad defence. However, the Algerian side remained composed under pressure, with Chaal and his backline standing firm to deny the Egyptians any clear chances.
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When the final whistle sounded, celebrations erupted across the Nelson Mandela Stadium as Belouizdad players and supporters marked a memorable achievement. The disciplined performance ensured safe passage into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the tie between Zamalek and Congo’s Otoho.
For Al-Masry, the result brought an end to their continental journey despite a spirited display, particularly in the closing stages. Belouizdad, meanwhile, will now turn their focus to the semi-finals with renewed belief, as they continue their quest for continental glory and look to build on a campaign that has already revived their reputation among Africa’s competitive elite.