CAFCL: MC Alger strike late to draw Cameroon’s Colombe

MC Alger were given all they could handle by Cameroonian hosts Colombe Sportive on Sunday but the Algerian champions got a precious away goal in a 1-1 first leg draw from the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) second round.

Ayoub Ghezala finished from an 86th minute set piece to give MCA the advantage heading back home for the second leg in one week’s time. The defender who represented Algeria at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) took down a free kick service from Mohamed Halaima and snuck his finish underneath goalkeeper Edward Sombang.

MC Alger weather the storm for favorable CAFCL first leg result

After impressing in their first round victory over Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf, the Cameroonian champions continued to show their quality with more high pressing and fluid football. The hosts were rewarded for a strong start inside fifteen minutes when Republic of Congo international Inno Loemba arrived to finish a cross.

At times, the Algerian giants were forced back onto their heels, depending on their strong defense that recovered well after conceding early. Despite struggling at times in Yaoundé, MCA managed to hold on and found their reply via an important set piece goal in the final stretch.

The two teams will meet again next Sunday in Algiers, where MCA will attempt to finish the job against an inspired opponent.