CR Belouizdad, AS Douanes set for CAF Confederation Cup showdown after CAS verdict

The uncertainty surrounding the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie between CR Belouizdad and AS Douanes has finally been resolved following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The two clubs are now set to resume their battle for a place in the group stage of the 2026-2027 CAF Confederation Cup after the legal dispute involving Guinean side Hafia FC resulted in the suspension of the encounter.

The fixture was initially put on hold following an appeal lodged by Hafia FC at CAS, which sought to challenge the qualification situation involving AS Douanes.

However, the sports tribunal has now ruled in favour of the Mauritanian outfit, clearing the way for the resumption of the two-legged contest against Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

Following the verdict, the dates and venues for both encounters have been confirmed, bringing clarity to the qualification battle after weeks of uncertainty.

The first leg will take place on November 23 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, where AS Douanes will enjoy home advantage as they welcome CR Belouizdad.

The return encounter is scheduled for November 27 in Algeria, with Belouizdad hosting the decisive fixture at their home ground.

Both teams will approach the tie knowing that qualification for the group stage is at stake, with the aggregate winner securing the remaining place in the next phase of the competition.

For AS Douanes, the CAS ruling represents a significant development after their qualification was challenged, allowing the Mauritanian club to continue their continental campaign.

CR Belouizdad, meanwhile, will be looking to take advantage of their experience in African competitions to overcome their opponents and book a place among the teams in the group stage.

With the legal uncertainty now settled and the fixtures rescheduled, attention will shift back to the pitch as the two sides prepare for a decisive battle for continental qualification.