CAF Confederation Cup: Al Masry frustrated as late Belouizdad leveller snatches away-win hopes

Al Masry thought they had one foot in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, only for CR Belouizdad to strike in stoppage time and earn a 1–1 draw in Suez.

In front of a modest but vocal crowd at the New Suez Stadium, the hosts controlled long spells, pressing high and dictating the tempo.

Their pressure told ten minutes into the second half when Salah Mohsen coolly converted from the penalty spot on 55 minutes, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Al Masry a deserved lead. From there, the Egyptians looked largely in charge, limiting Belouizdad to half-chances while continuing to threaten on the break.

But as their legs got tired, Belouizdad grew bolder. Substitute Lotfi Boussouar delivered the gut punch in the first minute of added time, arriving in the box to tuck home the equaliser and silence the home fans. It was the Algerian side’s only shot on target of the night, yet it completely changed the complexion of the tie.

Al Masry leave with frustration more than satisfaction, knowing they had done most things right but failed to close the game out. Everything will now be decided in the second leg in Algiers on March 21, where Belouizdad will fancy their chances on home soil.
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