Algerian Radio
Union Sportive de la Médina d’Alger (USM Alger) has qualified for the final of the CAF Confederation Cup after securing a 1-1 draw (halftime 0-1) against Olympique de Safi on Sunday evening during the second leg of the continental competition’s semifinals. It was a heroic and "marathon" encounter played under difficult conditions due to a pitch invasion by local supporters, which delayed the scheduled 8:00 PM kick-off (Algerian time).
The start of the match was delayed by approximately one and a half hours as USMA players were significantly disrupted during their warm-up following the intrusion of local fans onto the pitch, causing major disorder and high tension. The players and staff of USM Alger were forced to retreat to the dressing rooms.
The home team attempted to take the initiative to surprise the Algerian representative, whose defense experienced moments of hesitation. However, goalkeeper Oussama Benbot remained vigilant, restoring confidence to his teammates and protecting his goal.
USMA supporters had to wait until first-half stoppage time (45+1') to see their team open the scoring. The Rwandan referee awarded the goal following a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review after a handball by an OC Safi defender in the penalty area.
In the second half, the Algiers-based club intensified its offensive pressure in search of a cushioning goal, creating several chances, notably in the 51st and 55th minutes. However, the opposing side proved more clinical when Senegalese player Moussa Koné equalized with a header in the 75th minute.
Subsequently, the home team players attempted to influence refereeing decisions by repeatedly requesting VAR interventions, which led to lengthy interruptions. As a result, the referee added 19 minutes of stoppage time. Despite the pressure, USM Alger successfully maintained the precious draw, securing a well-deserved qualification for the CAF Cup final—the second in the club's history.
It is worth noting that the first leg had ended in a 0-0 draw. The "Soustara" club, the 2023 defending champions, will face the Egyptian club Zamalek in the final, with the first leg scheduled for May 9 in Algiers and the return leg on May 16 in Cairo.
As a reminder, Zamalek eliminated the other Algerian representative, CR Belouizdad, in the semifinals by winning in Algeria (0-1) before securing a 0-0 draw on Friday in Cairo.
