MC Alger Claim First Group Win to Revive Champions League Hopes

Algerian champions Mouloudia Club of Algiers reignited their CAF Champions League campaign after recording their first victory of the group stage with a controlled 2–0 win over DR Congo side St Éloi Lupopo on Sunday evening.

Second-half goals from Khelif Merwan and Zakaria Naidji secured all three points for MC Alger in a Matchday 4 Group C encounter, lifting the Algerians back into contention in what remains a tightly contested group.

The opening half was a cautious affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances as midfield battles dictated the tempo. MC Alger, however, emerged with renewed purpose after the break and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Merwan broke the deadlock, finishing calmly after sustained pressure to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Lupopo attempted to mount a response, but opportunities were few and far between against a disciplined Algerian defence that kept the Congolese side largely at arm’s length as the contest wore on.

The home side made the result safe eight minutes from time. Naidji struck in the 82nd minute, exploiting space in the final third to double the advantage and effectively extinguish any hopes of a late comeback from the visitors.

The victory moves MC Alger up to four points in Group C, placing them third in the standings on goal difference, just ahead of Lupopo, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table after another difficult outing on the road.

At the summit of the group, the Sudanese side Al Hilal Omdurman continues to set the pace with eight points, holding a three-point cushion over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns as the race for the quarter-finals intensifies.

With two group matches remaining, MC Alger’s maiden win of the campaign breathes new life into their qualification hopes. At the same time, Lupopo now face an uphill battle to revive their continental challenge.

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