Algerian football club Belouizdad faces a crucial encounter today, Saturday, at 17:00 GMT, against Tanzanian side Young Africans SC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The match, part of the penultimate round of the group stage in the CAF Champions League, holds significant importance for both teams as they vie for qualification to the quarter-finals.
Belouizdad and Young Africans share the second position in Group D with 5 points each, trailing behind group leaders Al Ahly SC of Egypt with 6 points and ahead of Ghana’s Medeama SC with 4 points, who Belouizdad faces in the final round.
Belouizdad, led by Coach Laakiba, aims to secure at least one point from Dar es Salaam to enhance their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals, with a victory in the final match against Medeama SC being pivotal for their advancement.
A win for Belouizdad today would significantly increase their chances of qualification by over 80%, while a defeat would complicate their prospects.
However, Belouizdad will face challenges, missing key players M’Bolhi and Bousouf due to injury, along with forward Belkhier for administrative reasons.
The task ahead won’t be easy for Belouizdad against the Tanzanian league leaders, managed by Argentine coach Gamondi, who is familiar with Belouizdad’s style having previously coached the Algerian club.
Young Africans SC last suffered defeat on November 24th, falling 3-0 to Belouizdad in the opening round of the group stage. This history underscores the obstacles Belouizdad faces as they seek to secure vital points in Dar es Salaam.
