USM Alger coach Lamine N'Diaye Photo: CAF
The Algerian side advanced to the continental prestigious tournament 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.
USM Alger will be facing Cairo giants Zamalek, who secured their place in the final on Friday after edging Algeria’s CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate, marking their third appearance in the competition’s final.
“The Confederation Cup final against Zamalek won’t be easy for both teams. We will prepare on the best way for the game,” the Senegalese coach was quoted as saying by Algerian daily newspaper Ennahar.
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.
N'Diaye blamed the incidents for affecting his team’s performance negatively, but insisted that his team finally secured a deserved qualification.
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.
The anticipated final of Africa's secondary continental competition is scheduled for 9 and 16 May, with the first leg in Algeria and the return leg at Cairo Stadium.
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