Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a challenging encounter, CR Belouizdad secured a convincing victory over Sierra Leone champions Bo Rangers FC with a final score of three goals to one (3-1). The match took place during the second preliminary round on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Southern Arena.
The home team, Bo Rangers FC, started the game with promise, breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute of play when Abu Komeh found the net. This early lead ignited enthusiasm among the supporters, who rallied with loud cheers. However, the momentum shifted just before the first half concluded, with the visitor, CR Belouizdad, leveling the score at 1-1 through a goal by A Meziane Ben Tahar in the 42nd minute.
The second half witnessed a more composed performance from the visiting team, as they managed to score two additional goals in the 47th and 79th minutes. Oussama Darfalou was the scorer of both goals, putting CR Belouizdad in a favorable position ahead of the second leg scheduled to take place in Algeria on September 30, 2023.
This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Sierra Leonean football, highlighting the need for continuous improvement both domestically and internationally to meet the standards set by prominent African football clubs. It is evident that the host team lacked the maturity and experience to compete effectively against their opponents, who arrived in Sierra Leone with a well-executed game plan that ultimately worked in their favor.
CR Belouizdad, having previously eliminated Bo Rangers FC, seems well-prepared to repeat their success in the upcoming weeks. The task of Bo Rangers FC to score three goals in Algeria without the host, CR Belouizdad, responding with more than three appears to be a challenging one.
Participation in the CAF competition serves as a valuable learning process for the football association in Sierra Leone, offering insights into the standards upheld by prominent clubs in African football. It presents an opportunity for growth and development as Sierra Leone aims to establish itself as a formidable force in the sport. BT/19/9/2023