CAF Cup: Historic CR Belouizdad, Safi traps Wydad
In a decisive weekend of quarter-finals return of the CAF Cup, CR Belouizdad won a historic qualification for its first continental last four against Al Masry. USM Alger and OC Safi validated their ticket at the end of the suspense, joining a faithful Zamalek SC who is the last Egyptian club in competition in interclub this season.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Belouizdad at the party
Great first for the CR Belouizdad in history. Against Al Masry’s Egyptians, the Algerians showed remarkable defensive strength to win a draw (0-0) at the Nelson Mandela stadium in the second leg. Thanks to their away goal in the first leg (1-1), the men of the CRB reach the last four of the competition for the very first time in their history. A performance that highlights the constant progress of the Algerian club, which has managed to manage the pressure from an Al Masry team that is very enterprising but unable to force the opponent’s lock.
USMA overthrows Maniema Union
The scenario was just as dramatic for USM Alger. Beaten 2-1 in the first leg in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Usmistes had to work to overthrow the AS Maniema Union. In a close match where spaces were rare, the protected of Lamine N'Diaye won by the smallest score (1-0).
It is here that the goal rule played its full role: despite a perfect equality in both matches (2-2), the goal scored by the Algerians in Congo proved decisive. For Maniema Union and their coach Papy Kimoto, who were discovering this stadium of the competition, the disappointment is immense as they seemed so close to the exploit.
Safi stun Wydad
In Casablanca, the 100% Moroccan clash between Wydad and OC Safi turned to the advantage of the visitors. After a draw (1-1) in Safi, the two teams went neck and neck in a spectacular match that ended with a 2-2 score and a brilliant free kick from Hakim Ziyech. By scoring two away goals against only one for WAC in the first leg, OC Safi validates its ticket to the semi-finals. Wydad, however favorite, leaves the competition prematurely, leaving Safi now carrying the hopes of Moroccan football in this edition of the CAF Cup.
Zamalek saves the honor of Egypt
After the defeat of Egyptian clubs in the Champions League, Zamalek SC saved national honor. Caught by AS Otohô in the Congo (1-1) on their way to the final, the White Knights enforced the hierarchy in Cairo by winning 2-1. Although the Congolese sold their skins dearly, the experience of the Egyptians in continental competitions ended up weighing on them in the final moments of the match.
The posters of the last square are now known. USM Alger will join OC Safi in an Algerian-Moroccan confrontation that promises to be electric, while CR Belouizdad will challenge the Cairo giant, Zamalek, for a place in the final. The question now is whether the CRB will be able to continue its historical epic or whether the Zamalek experience will resume its rights.
The results of the quarter-finals return
CR Belouizdad 0-0 Al Masry
Zamalek 2-1 AS Otôho
USM Alger 1-0 AS Maniema Union
Wydad Casablanca 2-2 OC Safi
The semi-final posters
CR Belouizdad - Zamalek
USM Algiers - OC Safi