MC Alger secure crucial win to bolster quarter-final hopes, Mazembe crash out

MC Alger kept their quarter-final aspirations alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over TP Mazembe in their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group A clash on Friday.

Akram Bouras scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 36th minute at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962, ensuring Mouloudia moved to eight points, consolidating second place in the group.

Mazembe, meanwhile, remain winless with just two points, sealing their elimination from the competition.

The opening exchanges saw both teams struggle to impose themselves. Mazembe created the first real chance in the 22nd minute, but Bongeli Beenga’s cross went unmet.

Mouloudia found their breakthrough in the 36th minute when Tayeb Meziani was brought down in the box, prompting referee Abongile Tom to award a penalty.

Bouras stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick to the top centre of the net, igniting celebrations among the home crowd.

The Congolese side showed greater urgency in the second half but lacked precision in front of goal.

Jean Diouf came close in the 73rd minute, but Mouloudia goalkeeper Abdelkader Menezla produced a stunning save to preserve his side’s lead.

Mouloudia could have doubled their advantage late on, with Zakaria Naidji and Andy Delort both hitting the woodwork in the final moments of the game.

With Al Hilal of Sudan already qualified, MC Alger’s victory sets up a tense final group stage matchday. The Algerian side will travel to Dar es Salaam to face Young Africans, who sit in third place with four points.

Mazembe's disappointing campaign ends with a home fixture against Al Hilal, with pride being their only incentive.