Percy Tau’s Al Ahly Lost To USM Alger In The CAF Super Cup Clash
Alger Shocks Al Ahly to Secure First-Ever CAF Super Cup Victory
In a thrilling clash of African football giants, Algeria’s USM Alger made history by stunning the CAF Champions League holders, Al Ahly, to claim their maiden CAF Super Cup title. The showdown, held in Saudi Arabia, saw skipper Zinedine Belaid score a crucial penalty, earning USM Alger a 1-0 victory. This victory marked a significant milestone for Algerian football, closely following their recent success in the Confederation Cup. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the match and the key moments that led to USM Alger’s historic win.
The Crucial Penalty
USM Alger‘s path to victory began with a pivotal moment, three minutes before halftime. A handball inside the box prompted the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who awarded Alger a penalty.
With nerves of steel, skipper Zinedine Belaid stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted the ball past Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, securing what would ultimately be the winning goal. This marked the turning point of the match, as USM Alger seized the lead against the odds.
Al Ahly’s Disallowed Goal
The Red Devils of Al Ahly displayed immense determination throughout the game, seeking to find an equalizer. Their moment seemed to arrive early on when Hussein El Shahat fired a shot that was spilt by USM Alger’s goalkeeper, Nabout, straight into the path of Walter Bwalya, who tapped the ball into the net.
However, much to the disappointment of Al Ahly fans, the goal was ruled out for offside. This decision left Al Ahly chasing the game, with USM Alger’s defence holding firm.
Al Ahly’s Offensive Efforts
Despite being behind, Al Ahly continued to press forward in search of an equalizing goal. Notable efforts from Percy Tau and Ali Maaloul forced smart saves from Alger’s goalkeeper, Benabout. These moments showcased the resilience of Al Ahly, who was determined to level the score and reclaim control of the match.
Late Drama
As the minutes ticked away, Al Ahly had two golden opportunities to find the back of the net. Ali Maaloul saw his effort go begging, and shortly after, Taher Mohamed had a header tipped over for a corner. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Al Ahly pushed forward with desperation, but USM Alger’s resolute defence stood firm.
A Historic Victory
In the end, USM Alger defended with unwavering determination to secure their first-ever CAF Super Cup title. The final whistle marked the culmination of a remarkable journey for the Algerian side, who had previously tasted success in the Confederation Cup. Their 1-0 triumph over the formidable Al Ahly team will be remembered as a historic moment in Algerian football history.
USM Alger’s stunning victory over Al Ahly in the CAF Super Cup will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable moments in African football. The match showcased the unpredictability and drama that makes football such a beloved sport.
As USM Alger celebrated their maiden Super Cup title, they added another chapter to their growing legacy in African football, demonstrating that dreams can be achieved with talent, determination, and a never-say-die attitude.
