A CA That Did Almost Nothing Yet Somehow Secured Three Points Against an USBG That Gave Its All – Benzarti Got Lucky
La Presse — Sometimes matches are decided by a stroke of luck or a last‑minute foul. In the dying minutes of the game, a free‑kick for CA was taken jointly by Harzi and Zemzemi. Zemzemi advanced, crossed, and an USBG player committed the unthinkable – a clear handball.
A penalty was calmly converted by Zaalouni, giving a fortunate CA three unexpected points.
Why?
- USBG actually played better and deserved at least a point.
- CA showed little effort to win. Apart from a chance by Khadhraoui (52’) that hit the post, CA waited until the 83rd minute to score through Mesmari.
That goal was later disallowed by VAR after Amir Ayadi ruled a foul on Maaouani – a highly debatable decision given the muscular duel and the subjective nature of the call. The story didn’t end there; the handball and the ensuing penalty turned the match into a severe defeat for USBR.
- Chachia (59’) struck the left post,
- Earlier, Abdi (32’) headed the ball badly,
- Despite dominance in midfield and on the left flank, USBG lacked the finishing touch and confidence to convert a slight advantage on a pitch they had mapped out more effectively.
Late Substitutions
From the Clubist side, it was a poor performance despite the win. There was no inspiration, no clear game plan, and especially a flawed lineup from Benzarti, who re‑inserted the Ait Malek‑Harzi duo into midfield, weakening that sector, and placed Mesmari in Chaouat’s position even though it was obvious he wasn’t suited for it.
Khan’s introduction in the second half added some vigor to the midfield, but the team still missed decisive actions and organization; the Clubists were passing the ball in all directions without creating easy build‑up play. Benzarti only realized this late. When Chrimi and, more importantly, Kadida came on, the attack gained more weight during the final ten minutes.
Dalhoum’s USBG had prepared well for the match, but a dip in intensity during the last quarter proved fatal. CA, riding a wave of luck and realism – even bordering on “cynicism” – walked away with three golden points. However, looking ahead, Benzarti cannot repeat such a gamble if he wants to stay in the title race.
