USM Alger Held to Goalless Draw Against 10-Man OC Safi

USM Alger and Morocco’s Olympique Club Safi played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday at the 5th July Olympic Stadium in their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg.

This draw leaves a bitter taste.Despite dominating in spells, the Algiers-based side lacked a clinical edge and failed to break through the Moroccan defense.

Their frustration was compounded by the fact that the visitors finished the match a man down; Akbi Hamiani was sent off in the 81st minute for a serious foul. Even with the numerical advantage in the closing stages, USMA couldn’t capitalize to secure a lead ahead of the return leg.

It felt like a missed opportunity for the Algerian club, who now face a daunting task to secure qualification away from home in what promises to be a fiercely contested second leg.