On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 17:00 GMT, the Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium in Nouakchott will host an exciting clash between AS Douanes and CR Bélouizdad in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. This match pits a Mauritanian underdog eager to make its mark against an Algerian club known for its performances on the continental stage.
AS Douanes, a determined underdog
After a preparation period marked by inconsistent results, AS Douanes aims to leverage its home advantage and the support of its fans to create an upset. In their last 5 matches, the club has recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, scoring 4 goals while conceding 8. Despite these unimpressive statistics, the determination remains intact: the team wants to prove it can compete with a heavyweight of African football.
For this duel, Ahmed El Kory, the Mauritanian club's coach since July 2022, can rely on a group of players capable of making a difference. Among them are Namori Diaw, who provides great assurance in goal, as well as Moushine Bodda, the true conductor of the team, and the dynamic winger El Mami Tetah.
CR Bélouizdad: experience serving confidence
On the other hand, CR Bélouizdad travels to Mauritania with an impressive momentum. The Algerian champions boast 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches, scoring 9 goals and conceding 5. The team has recently solidified its dominance in the Algerian league and now aims to impose its style on the continental level.
Coach Nabil Maâloul, appointed last July, has selected a competitive squad, including experienced players such as Yousri Bouzok, who leads the attack, Koucelia Boualia, recently arrived from JS Kabylie, and Houssem Tka. The objective is clear: to secure a favorable result in the first leg to approach the return match in Algiers with confidence. Arriving in Mauritania this Thursday, the reds held their first training session in a friendly atmosphere.
This match highlights the face-off between a Mauritanian underdog seeking recognition and a confident Algerian giant. AS Douanes will need to count on the support of its fans to hope for an upset, while CR Bélouizdad will look to assert its status and secure qualification in this first leg.
