Belouizdad vs Masry. Photo courtesy of CAF
The Port Said-based club came to the game following a 1-1 draw against the Algerian side in the first leg at the Suez Stadium last Saturday, and were eliminated on the away goal rule.
Under the guidance of Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki, Masry succeeded in stifling Belouizdad’s attacking threats on home stadium, while relying on counter-attacks.
Belouizdad began the first half with an intense attacking approach, capitalizing on home advantage and the fervent crowd.
In the seventh minute, the home side appealed for a penalty after Ben Hamouda went down inside the box, but the referee waved play on.
Three minutes later, Masry responded by carving out a chance of their own when striker Salah Mohsen rose to meet a cross inside the area, only for the goalkeeper to thwart his header.
The Algerian side continued to press forward, but Masry’s solid and well-organized defense managed to rebuff all their attempts, ending the first half in a stalemate.
After the restart, Masry showed more ambition and continued their pursuit of a goal, but the Belouizdad defense closed ranks to block.
The Green Eagles enjoyed a spell of possession in the closing stages, probing for an opening inside the penalty area but without ever truly troubling the opposition goal.
Ultimately, the failure to find the net meant the final whistle confirmed a goalless stalemate, to crash out of the competition at the same stage for the second consecutive season.
Masry became the third Egyptian side to exit African competitions on Saturday, following Pyramids’ loss to AS FAR and Ahly’s defeat by Esperance, both of which came in the CAF Champions League.
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