On Friday evening, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad FC became the first team to secure a spot in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group Stages after a tense match against Burkinabe club AS Douanes in Algiers.
Belouizdad faced a tough challenge from their opponents, who had won the first leg 1-0. Taking advantage of their home field, the Algerians equalized the aggregate score just before halftime with a stunning goal from Abderrahmane Mesiane.
In the second half, both teams pressed for the crucial winning goal, but were thwarted by strong defending and goalkeeping. The match ended 1-1 on aggregate, leading to a penalty shootout that CR Belouizdad won 4-3, securing their place in the group stages of Africa’s top club competition.
This marks the fifth time CR Belouizdad has reached the group stages, solidifying their reputation on the continental stage. TotalEnergies CAF Champions League matches will continue over the weekend.