Ghezala’s Late Strike Rescues MC Alger in Gritty CAFCL Draw

Algerian champions MC Alger (MCA) were given all they could handle by Cameroonian hosts Colombe Sportive on Sunday, but managed to secure a precious away goal in a hard-fought 1-1 first-leg draw of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) second round.

The match, played in Yaoundé, saw the Cameroonian champions continue to show the quality they displayed in their first-round victory over Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf. Colombe Sportive impressed with their high pressing and fluid football, pinning the Algerian giants back early on. Their strong start was rewarded inside fifteen minutes when Republic of Congo international Inno Loemba arrived to finish a well-taken cross, sending the home crowd into raptures.

At times, MCA were forced onto their heels, depending on a resilient defensive effort to weather the storm after conceding early. Despite struggling to assert their dominance throughout the encounter, the Algerian side held firm and found their all-important reply late in the game.

The equalizer came in the 86th minute from a set piece. Defender Ayoub Ghezala, who represented Algeria at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), was the hero. He expertly controlled a free-kick service from Mohamed Halaima and managed to sneak his finish underneath goalkeeper Edward Sombang, silencing the home support.

The crucial away goal hands MCA a significant advantage heading back home for the decisive second leg in a week’s time. The two teams will meet again next Sunday in Algiers, where MCA will attempt to finish the job against an inspired Colombe Sportive side that has proven they can challenge the continent’s established powers.