USM Alger reach CAF Confederation Cup final after 1-1 draw at Olympique Safi
USM Alger reach CAF Confederation Cup final after a 1-1 draw at Olympique Safi, progressing on away goals to set up a two-legged final against Zamalek next month.
USM Alger secured their place in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final after a tense 1-1 draw away to Olympique Safi, advancing on away goals following a goalless first leg in Algiers. The Algerian side took the lead through Ahmed Khaldi’s penalty deep into stoppage time before half-time, a strike that proved decisive across the two-legged semi-final. Despite a late response from Safi, USM Alger defended stoically to close out the tie and book a showdown with Egypt’s Zamalek. The result marks a landmark return to the final for the Algerian club and sets up a high-stakes continental decider.
Khaldi penalty sends USM Alger through on away goals
Ahmed Khaldi’s composed penalty, awarded in added time before the break, was the pivotal moment of the tie. The spot-kick gave USM Alger the lead in an otherwise scrappy first half and ultimately became the tie’s decisive scoreline given the 0-0 result in Algiers. The goal underlined USM Alger’s threat from set plays and penalties, a strength they have cultivated across recent seasons in continental competition. Khaldi’s finish shifted momentum toward the visitors and forced Olympique Safi to chase the game in the second half.
The timing of the penalty also intensified the pressure on Safi, who had dominated possession at intervals but could not convert early openings. For USM Alger the strike allowed a more conservative second-half game plan focused on compact defending and careful game management. The visitors were content to absorb pressure and rely on discipline, a strategy that ultimately paid dividends when Safi could not break them down again. Khaldi’s penalty will be remembered as the fine margin that separated the sides over two legs.
Kick-off delayed after crowd disturbances in Safi
The second-leg fixture in Safi did not begin as scheduled, with the start delayed by more than an hour due to crowd disturbances that disrupted pre-match routines. Security issues around the stadium contributed to an unsettled atmosphere, and the lengthy wait appeared to elevate tensions among home supporters. When play finally began the match carried a heightened edge, with both teams quick to stamp their intent in front of a charged crowd. Officials and club stewards faced significant logistical challenges before normal play could proceed.
Such delays can affect preparation and conditioning, and coaches on both sides had to recalibrate mental and tactical plans under unusual circumstances. Despite the disrupted build-up, the match itself delivered sustained intensity, particularly during the first 45 minutes. Observers noted that the delay did not diminish physical commitment, though it may have influenced the tempo and early decision-making on the pitch. Stadium operations and crowd control will likely be scrutinized in the aftermath given the significance of the fixture.
Safi dominate chances but fail to convert across the tie
Olympique Safi produced a high volume of attempts across the semi-final but were ultimately undone by poor finishing and USM Alger’s defensive resilience. The Moroccan side registered 41 shots across the two legs yet managed to score only once, illustrating a stark conversion problem that cost them a place in the final. The second leg alone saw both teams combine for 17 shots in the opening half, one of the busiest first-half tallies of this campaign. Safi’s sustained pressure in the second half finally produced a goal, but it arrived too late to overturn the away-goals deficit.
The scoring return did not reflect Safi’s territorial control or offensive ambition, which were apparent throughout long periods of both fixtures. Their five consecutive draws in this edition of the competition underline a team that is hard to beat but often struggles to turn dominance into victory. That sequence is notable within the tournament’s history for the same edition, highlighting both consistency and an inability to take decisive advantage. Safi will review finishing and chance-construction as they reflect on a run that ultimately ended in narrow elimination.
Moussa Koné’s header rekindles Safi but proves insufficient
Substitute Moussa Koné provided the moment of hope for Safi when he rose highest to head in a well-delivered cross in the 75th minute, levelling the match and briefly swinging momentum back toward the hosts. Koné’s impact off the bench has been a recurring theme this season, and his equaliser offered a timely reminder of his threat as an impact substitute. The goal also forced USM Alger into a period of sustained defending in the final quarter of the match, testing their organisation under pressure. Despite Koné’s influence, Safi could not produce the additional goal required to progress.
Koné’s contribution reinforced his reputation as one of the competition’s most effective bench options this campaign, regularly producing decisive moments when introduced. His finishing instincts and aerial presence made him a constant danger in the penalty area, especially on crosses and set pieces. However, the broader story of the tie remained Safi’s inability to find clinical finishes at key moments, and Koné’s goal, while significant, came too late to alter the overall outcome. For Koné personally, the performance will still serve as a bright note in an otherwise disappointing exit.
USM Alger’s defensive discipline and game management
After taking the lead, USM Alger shifted into a controlled, defensive posture designed to blunt Safi’s attacking thrusts and protect their slender advantage. The visitors maintained compact lines, limited space between midfield and defense, and relied on collective pressing to disrupt build-up play. This pragmatic approach allowed them to absorb waves of pressure without conceding further clear-cut chances. Their ability to see out the final stages of the match under intense scrutiny demonstrated a maturity often found in teams experienced in continental knockout competition.
Discipline and organisation were particularly evident in how USM Alger handled transitions and set-piece situations in the closing minutes. Players tracked runners, closed passing lanes, and cleared lines when necessary, reflecting a coherent defensive plan executed at critical moments. The coaching staff’s emphasis on structure and situational responses was visible throughout the second half as Safi pushed for the decisive goal. Ultimately, the visitors’ tactical nous and resilience were decisive factors in a tie decided by fine margins.
Final against Zamalek shapes as high-stakes continental showdown
USM Alger will meet Egypt’s Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup final after Zamalek overcame CR Belouizdad in their semi-final tie. The champions and challengers bring contrasting strengths to the decider, with both clubs boasting rich continental pedigrees and organised defensive setups. The final will be contested over two legs, with the first match scheduled to take place in Algeria next month and the return leg to follow a week later in Cairo. Both fixtures promise intense atmospheres and significant tactical battles as each side aims to secure the coveted trophy.
For USM Alger the final represents a chance to add to their recent continental success, having previously lifted the Confederation Cup in the 2022-23 season. Reaching a second final affirms the club’s growing consistency on the African stage and will place fresh expectations on players and staff. Zamalek, meanwhile, will bring experience and a sizable fan base to the tie, making home advantage in the return leg a potentially decisive factor. The two-legged format ensures that away goals and tactical discipline will again be central to both teams’ strategies.
USM Alger’s progression highlights the fine margins that separate victory from elimination in knockout football. Ahmed Khaldi’s late first-half penalty will be replayed in highlight packages and remembered as the single moment that decided the tie. Olympique Safi leave the competition with credit for resilience and a record of draws that underlined their determination, but also with the frustration of missed opportunities and an inability to convert pressure into goals. The forthcoming final against Zamalek offers USM Alger a chance to further cement their recent continental credentials and chase another piece of silverware.
