USM Alger edges Olympique de Safi to reach Confed Cup final against Zamalek

Ahram Online , Monday 20 Apr 2026

Algeria’s USM Alger advanced to the CAF Confederation Cup final after a 1-1 draw away to Morocco’s Olympique de Safi on Sunday, progressing on the away goals rule following a goalless first leg.

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The semi-final second leg, played at Stade El Massira in Morocco, was delayed by one hour and 20 minutes after crowd trouble erupted before kick-off, with fans invading the pitch and clashing before security forces intervened.

Ahmed Khaldi put USM Alger ahead from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time after a handball decision, before Moussa Kone equalised for the hosts with a header in the 75th minute.

The match was evenly contested, with both sides exchanging attacks but creating limited clear chances early on. Olympique de Safi pressed for a second goal to overturn the tie, but USM Alger held firm through 19 minutes of added time.

USM Alger reached the final for only the second time in their history, having previously won the title in the 2022–2023 season against Tanzania’s Young Africans.

They will face Egypt’s Zamalek in the final, scheduled for 9 and 16 May, with the first leg in Algeria and the return leg at Cairo Stadium.

Zamalek secured their place in the final after edging Algeria’s CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate, marking their third appearance in the competition’s final.

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