Reigning Algeria Ligue 1 champions MC Alger emerged as the winners of the Algerian Super Cup on Saturday, defeating fellow Algiers club CR Belouizdad 4-3 in a penalty shootout after playing to a 2-2 draw.
The match was a tale of two halves. In the first half, MCA came out playing at a high level and were rewarded with two goals inside the opening half hour. Soufiane Bayazid converted from the penalty spot in the 14th minute before captain Ayoub Abdellaoui arrvied to volley in a free kick service in the 27th minute.
But the match got increasingly complicated and reigning Algerian Cup winners CRB fought back after halftime. Aymen Mahious pulled a goal back with a 72nd minute penalty kick and a furious rally at the end saw Mahious bravely rise up above MCA goalkeeper Abdelatif Ramdane to head in an 88th minute equalizer.
After the full time whistle the match went to penalty kicks to determine a winner. It was a good start for CRB with keeper Moustapha Zeghba saving MCA's second attempt while Abderrahmane Meziane, Khanyisa Mayo and Houcine Benayada all executed perfect spot kicks.
However, MCA regained their composure and young keeper Ramdane saved consecutive spot kicks from Naoufel Khacef and Mahious, who went from hero to villain quickly. Rising MCA star Amine Messoussa converted the crucial penalty to win it and spark celebrations from the MCA players and supporters. MCA adds to their record as the most successful club in the competition with their fourth Super Cup trophy.
Full Penalty Shootout
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