{"id":105273,"date":"2024-07-02T09:46:46","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T08:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jazairhope.org\/?p=105273"},"modified":"2024-07-02T12:16:30","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T11:16:30","slug":"mouloudia-club-dalger-from-revolutionary-roots-to-modern-triumphs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jazairhope.org\/en\/mouloudia-club-dalger-from-revolutionary-roots-to-modern-triumphs\/","title":{"rendered":"Mouloudia Club d’Alger: From Revolutionary Roots to Modern Triumphs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mouloudia Club d’Alger: A Legacy of Passion and Politics<\/span><\/h3>\n

As Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MCA) prepares to play in the Algerian Cup final this Friday, the significance of this historic club extends far beyond the football pitch. Born in the heart of Algiers nearly a century ago, MCA embodies the intertwined narratives of Algeria’s struggle for independence, cultural identity, and enduring spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A Revolutionary Beginning<\/span><\/h3>\n

Founded by four passionate soccer enthusiasts in a caf\u00e9 within the Casbah in 1921, MCA was more than just a football club; it was a bold statement against French colonial rule. In an era where Algerians were treated as second-class citizens, forming a club exclusively for Muslims was a revolutionary act. The club’s name, derived from the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Mouloud, resonated deeply with the local population, combining the powerful symbols of freedom, religion, and soccer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Historical and Political Ties<\/span><\/h3>\n

Throughout its history, MCA has been deeply embedded in Algeria’s political landscape. During the war of independence in the 1950s, the Casbah’s narrow alleys and rooftops provided a haven for guerrilla fighters, with the community playing a crucial role in the resistance. The club suspended its activities during the height of the conflict, reflecting the broader struggle for liberation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The 1956 MCA-Gallia Incident<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"\"One of the most significant episodes in MCA’s history was the infamous 1956 incident during a match against Gallia Sport of Algiers. On March 11, 1956, tensions reached a boiling point during the match held at the Stade Marcel Cerdan. The game, which ended in a 1-1 draw at halftime, saw massive crowd unrest fueled by the frustrations and humiliations faced by the Algerian population under French colonial rule. The situation escalated into violent clashes between MCA supporters and the police, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. This incident was so severe that it led to the suspension of MCA’s activities until 1960, as part of a broader boycott called by the FLN (Front de Lib\u00e9ration Nationale)\u200b (<\/span>Algerie360<\/a>)<\/span><\/span>\u200b\u200b (<\/span>Wikip\u00e9dia, a enciclop\u00e9dia livre<\/a>)<\/span><\/span>\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The 1976 Epopee: Reaching the African Pinnacle<\/span><\/h3>\n

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In 1976, MCA reached the pinnacle of African football by winning the African Champions Cup. The journey began with a narrow victory over Ahly Benghazi, followed by an impressive comeback against Egypt’s Al Ahly. The team then dominated Luo Union of Kenya and overcame a significant deficit against Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers. In the final against Hafia Conakry of Guinea, MCA overturned a 3-0 first-leg loss with a dramatic victory in Algiers, winning the title after a tense penalty shootout\u200b (<\/span>2022MAG<\/a>)<\/span><\/span>\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n

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