(Video) The CAF Confederation Cup semi-final: What caused the delay in Olympic Safi vs USM Alger? Pitch invasion raises questions

Kick-off delayed by over an hour after security breach disrupts decisive second leg

Africa 19 April 2026 at 17:06

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(Video) The CAF Confederation Cup semi-final: What caused the delay in Olympic Safi vs USM Alger? Pitch invasion raises questions

19.04.26 FT CAF Confederation Cup

Olympic Club de Safi

USM Alger

The CAF Confederation Cup semi final second leg between Olympic Safi & USM Alger was delayed on Sunday 19 April after fans stormed the pitch at El Massira Stadium forcing officials to postpone kick off by more than an hour.

The Moroccan side hosted their Algerian opponents in Safi for a decisive return leg but pre match preparations were disrupted when a group of supporters entered the field shortly before kick off.

Kick-off postponed after pitch invasion

Television footage showed several fans making their way onto the pitch while both teams were preparing to start the match.

The situation quickly escalated prompting the referee to halt proceedings and instruct both sets of players to return to the dressing rooms.

The unexpected interruption created confusion inside the stadium, with security personnel working to restore order before the match could resume.

🚨NOUVELLE PREUVE ⬇️

Les supporters de l’USMA ainsi que les joueurs ONT ÉTÉ AGRESSÉS par les supporters marocains.

Les supporters de l’USMA sont allés sur la pelouse uniquement pour se protéger des projectiles qu’ils recevaient. pic.twitter.com/g5bKWFr6mV
— Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) April 19, 2026

Players return after delay

After a delay of approximately one hour and 20 minute, players from both Olympic Safi & USM Alger returned to the pitch to restart their warm-ups.

Once conditions were deemed safe, the referee approved the resumption of pre-match activities allowing the game to proceed under normal circumstances.

Semi-final finely balanced after first leg

The delay added further tension to an already finely poised tie. The first leg in Algeria had ended in a draw leaving qualification for the final wide open heading into the second leg in Safi.

The winner of the tie will face Egyptian side Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup final raising the stakes for both teams despite the chaotic build-up.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.