The draw in the other match proved to be enough for MC Alger to progress alongside already qualified Esperance, regardless of Zamalek’s result, and there was much chagrin among the Egyptian giants’ technical bench at the performance of their two North African rivals. Zamalek players and staff watch MC Alger hold Esperance away to advance to the Caf Champions League knockouts at the 2020 finalists' expense. Esperance & MC Alger barely tried after the Algerians equalised - knowing both would go through - do @CAF_Online need to look into this? pic.twitter.com/xZPKrr43pr— Ed Dove (@EddyDove) April 10, 2021 Following MC Alger’s equaliser, the two sides appeared to play out the rest of their fixture at a much reduced intensity, knowing that the result would see one of the tournament favourites fall while the Algerians progressed alongside Esperance.