The CAF Confederation Cup group stage encounter between Egypt's Al Masry and Algeria's CR Belouizdad ended in a tense 1-1 draw at the Borg El Arab Stadium. The result leaves both teams with work to do to secure progression from a tightly contested group, with each feeling they had chances to claim all three points in a fiercely competitive North African derby. Al Masry started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal, a close-range finish from a set-piece scramble that sent the home crowd into raptures. Belouizdad grew into the game as the half progressed and found their equalizer just before the interval, a well-worked team move finished with precision. The second half was a cagey affair, with both sides cautious of making a costly mistake. The major talking point came when Al Masry had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside call after a lengthy VAR review, a decision that incensed the home supporters. Both goalkeepers made crucial saves to preserve the point, with Belouizdad's shot-stopper particularly impressive in denying a late header. The draw means the group remains wide open, with every point proving vital in the race for the knockout rounds. The Al Masry coach expressed frustration with the disallowed goal, stating, "We feel hard done by. The margins are so fine at this level." His Belouizdad counterpart was more satisfied: "A point away in Egypt is a good result. We showed great character to come back."