(Video) CAF Confederation Cup semi-final: Stoppage-time twist changes everything in USM Alger vs Olympique Safi clash

Africa 19 April 2026 at 17:39

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

19.04.26 FT CAF Confederation Cup

Olympic Club de Safi

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USM Alger

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USM Alger moved in front in their CAF Confederation Cup semi final against Olympique Safi on Sunday 19 April after Ahmed Khaldi converted a penalty deep into first half stoppage time at Stade El Massira.

The goal gave the Algerian side a 1-0 lead on the night and 1-0 aggregate advantage after first leg in Algiers had finished goalless.

Khaldi delivers when the tie needed a breakthrough

For much of the first half, this looked like another tense and low margin battle between two side who had already played out a 0-0 draw in first leg.

Safi’s Soulaimane El Bouchqali was booked in the ninth minute, Anas Mkhair followed him into the referee’s notebook in the 31st and the match appeared to be drifting toward another scoreless interval before the decisive moment arrived.

A penalty awarded to USM Alger late in the half and Khaldi made no mistake from the spot in the fourth minute of added time.

USM Alger now hold the edge

The timing of the goal could prove crucial. Instead of heading into the break level, Safi now face the pressure of chasing the tie at home against a side that has already shown it can manage tight knockout matches.

USM Alger know exactly what is at stake. The winner of this semi final will move into the CAF Confederation Cup final where Zamalek are already waiting after advancing past CR Belouizdad.

Related teams and leagues

Olympic Club de Safi

USM Alger

CAF Confederation Cup