Mouloudia d’Alger secured a 2-1 victory over Paradou AC in a friendly match as they fine-tuned preparations for their upcoming CAF Champions League quarter-final against Orlando Pirates on April 1st.
Against a Paradou side known for its possession-based football, the encounter served as a valuable test ahead of the crucial continental fixture.
Despite the challenge, Mouloudia d’Alger reaffirmed their dominance over their domestic rivals, extending their strong record against the Pacistes.
Bangoura leads the charge
Mouloudia started the match with intensity and quickly took control.
Guinean forward Mohamed Saliou Bangoura opened the scoring with a powerful strike, setting the tone for his side.
Just before halftime, Kamel Hamidi doubled the lead, capitalizing on Mouloudia’s attacking momentum.
Paradou responded in the second half, with Bouziani pulling one back following a series of substitutions.
However, Mouloudia’s defensive resilience ensured they held on to claim the win.
While only a friendly, the result is expected to boost the team’s confidence as they prepare to face Orlando Pirates at the July 5 Stadium, where a full-capacity crowd is anticipated.
Key players gain valuable minutes
The match also provided head coach Khaled Benyahia with an opportunity to reintegrate players returning from international duty.
Merouane Khelif, Zakaria Naïdji, and Mohamed Benkhemassa, who had been training with Algeria’s domestic-based national team, all featured and gained crucial playing time.
Bangoura, in particular, delivered an impressive performance, showing sharp movement and finishing ability.
His display sends a clear warning to the Orlando Pirates defense, who will be tasked with containing the in-form forward.
The former Hafia Conakry striker remains a key attacking threat for Mouloudia, and his presence could prove decisive in the quarter-final showdown.
Focus shifts to the CAF Champions league
With a morale-boosting win under their belt, Mouloudia d’Alger now turn their attention fully to their upcoming challenge against Orlando Pirates.
Benyahia’s men will be aiming for a strong first-leg result that will put them in a commanding position to reach the semi-finals of Africa’s premier club competition.
The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter, and with Bangoura in top form, Mouloudia will be confident of securing an advantage in front of their home fans.
