CAF Champions League: MC El Eulma Collapse at Home as Al-Merrikh Seal Semi-Final Spot
Algerian side MC El Eulma continued their winless run in the CAF Champions League, suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat at home to Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh on Matchday 5 of the group stage.
In a match with little consequence for the hosts, El Eulma appeared poised to claim their first points of the competition after taking a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half. Goals from Younes Kadri in the 14th minute and Abdelmalek Abbes in the 26th had fans briefly believing in a long-awaited victory.
However, the second half told a different story. Al-Merrikh, already motivated by the possibility of sealing a place in the semi-finals, mounted a stunning comeback. The Sudanese side struck back with two goals in quick succession — Hadou Ala’ pulled one back in the 67th minute, before Boubeker Bakari levelled the score just three minutes later.
Bakari completed the comeback in the dying minutes of the match, netting a dramatic winner in the 88th minute to give Diego Garzitto’s side all three points and secure their progression to the last four.
For MC El Eulma, the defeat sums up a disappointing campaign in the continental tournament. Still pointless after five matches, the club will now look to salvage pride when they face Aigle Noir next month in a final group match that holds no bearing on qualification.
Despite the result, El Eulma’s first-half display showed glimpses of potential. But their inability to hold the lead and manage the game in the latter stages has been a recurring issue throughout the campaign — one that coach and players alike will need to reflect upon ahead of next season.
