Preview: Masry hope to secure home advantage against Belouizdad in Confederation Cup quarters

Ahmed Ghandour , Friday 13 Mar 2026

Egyptian side Masry are set to kick off their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals campaign when they host Algeria’s CR Belouizdad at the New Suez Stadium in the first leg on Saturday.

Masry
Photo: Masry FC Facebook.

 

The Port Said-based side aim to build a decisive home advantage before next week’s return leg in Algeria, as both sides chase a place in the semi-finals.

The Green Eagles secured their place in the last eight after a tense finish in Group D, where they finished second with 10 points, edging out South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference to progress alongside group winners Zamalek.

The team, led by head coach Nabil Kouki and general coach Nader El-Hobeiry, will be looking to continue their strong form, having gone unbeaten in eight of their last nine CAF Confederation Cup home matches.

Masry general coach Nader El-Hobeiry expressed confidence in the team's readiness during the pre-match press conference.

"We have studied Belouizdad thoroughly; they are a disciplined side with significant continental experience," El-Hobeiry told reporters on Friday.

"Our focus is on maintaining a high tempo from the first whistle and ensuring we do not concede at home. The players are fully aware of the responsibility they carry for the Port Said fans."

Masry have been inconsistent in their recent domestic outings but have shown a different character in Africa this season.

Belouizdad, on the other hand, arrive in Egypt in ominous form, having topped Group C with an imposing 15 points from six matches, suffering just one defeat in the process.

Their strong group-stage campaign suggests they possess the experience needed for high-pressure knockout matches.

A positive result in Suez would hand Masry momentum ahead of the second leg a week later, as they look to replicate their 2018 run to the semi-finals.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: