USM Alger Reach Confederation Cup Final After Chaotic Clash in Moroco

USM Alger Reach Confederation Cup Final After Chaotic Clash in Moroco 

By Admin 

USM Alger secured a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final after holding Morocco’s Olympique Safi to a 1–1 draw in a tense and disruption-filled semi-final second leg on Sunday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Algerian side progressed on the away goals rule after last week’s first leg in Algiers ended goalless, setting up a final showdown with Egyptian club Zamalek.

Ahmed Khaldi gave USM Alger the advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, converting from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead. Olympique Safi responded in the 75th minute, when Senegalese substitute Moussa Koné rose to head in an equaliser from a corner.

The match, however, was overshadowed by crowd disturbances that significantly disrupted proceedings. Kick-off was delayed by more than an hour after home supporters invaded the pitch and attempted to confront visiting fans. Order was eventually restored with the intervention of Safi players, who persuaded supporters to return to the stands.

Further interruptions occurred during the second half as objects, including bottles and fireworks, were thrown onto the pitch, forcing play to be halted twice. As a result, 19 minutes of stoppage time were added at the end of the match.

Despite the hostile environment, USM Alger held firm to secure their progression. The club, which lifted the Confederation Cup three years ago, will host the first leg of the final in Algiers on either May 9 or 10, with the return leg scheduled to take place in Cairo one week later.