MC Alger begin CAF Champions League campaign with first-leg test at ASN Nigelec

Mouloudia Club d’Alger begin their CAF Champions League preliminary campaign in Niamey, where they face ASN Nigelec in the first leg of the opening qualifying round.

The Algerian club will be aiming to establish an advantage away from home and take a significant step towards progressing to the next stage of the competition. The tie begins with MC Alger seeking a positive result in the Nigerien capital before the return meeting.

Head coach Khaled Ben Yahia has selected a technically strong starting line-up for the opening match. His team includes a number of attacking options, with particular emphasis expected to be placed on the wide areas.

Naidji is set to play an important role in that approach. Ben Yahia is looking to use his wingers to create danger from the flanks, with Naidji among the players expected to provide an attacking threat from the sides.

The line-up also includes Abdelkader, Konate and Ben Haoua in the attacking unit, while the team is supported by a midfield and defensive group featuring Khelif, Abdellaoui, Ferhat, Bangoura, Ghezala and Halaimia.

Abdellaoui has been named captain for MC Alger, with Ramdane selected in goal.

MC Alger’s starting team against ASN Nigelec is:

Ramdane (goalkeeper), Khelif, Abdellaoui (captain), Ferhat, Bangoura, Ghezala, Halaimia, Abdelkader, Konate, Naidji, Ben Haoua.

The selection reflects Ben Yahia’s intention to field a side with considerable technical ability for the first leg. The coach will be hoping that his players can turn that quality into a result that gives MC Alger the advantage in the tie.

For ASN Nigelec, the match represents the first challenge of the qualifying contest at home in Niamey. MC Alger, meanwhile, will look to impose themselves from the start and make their attacking options count as they begin their CAF Champions League campaign.

With the first leg taking place in Niamey, the Algerian side’s immediate objective is to leave with a result that strengthens their position before the tie continues. Their starting line-up combines experience in defence, leadership through captain Abdellaoui and width in attack, particularly through the inclusion of Naidji.

The opening encounter will therefore provide the first indication of whether Ben Yahia’s chosen balance can give MC Alger the platform they want in the competition.