(Video) USM Alger reach CAF Confederation Cup Final after dramatic night in Morocco

Africa 19 April 2026 at 18:49

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 booked their place in the 2025 /26 CAF Confederation Cup final on Sunday 19 April after a 1-1 draw away to Olympique Safi at Stade El Massira in Morocco.

Ahmed Khaldi’s first half penalty put the Algerian side ahead, Moussa Koné equalised late for the hosts but USM Alger advanced on away goals after first leg in Algiers had finished 0-0.

They will now face Zamalek who reached the final after eliminating CR Belouizdad.

Khaldi breaks the deadlock after chaotic build-up

The match was played in a tense atmosphere from the outset and even the kick-off was disrupted. Spanish reports said the semi final was delayed by almost 90 minute after crowd trouble and a pitch invasion forced players and officials back toward the dressing rooms before order was restored.

After the match finally settled down, USM Alger managed to score the opening goal at the end of first half following a VAR review that awarded a penalty to the visitors. Khaldi successfully converted the penalty in first half stoppage time turning the game around in USM Alger's favor.

Safi respond, but USM hold on

Olympique Safi were always going to push after the break especially at home and their response arrived in the closing stages.

Koné who came on as a substitute at the start of the second half, scored with a header in the 77th minute to level the score at 1-1.

Safi failed to score second goal they needed and the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with 19 minute of added time at the end of the second half but the decisive blow never came.

As a result, USM Alger qualified thanks to the away goals rule which is still in effect in African club competitions.

Final now set

USM Alger’s reward is a final against Zamalek who sealed their own place in the showpiece after a 0-0 draw with CR Belouizdad completed a 1-0 aggregate win.

Related teams and leagues

Olympic Club de Safi

USM Alger

CAF Confederation Cup