USM Alger Survive Chaos in Safi to Secure Final Spot Against Zamalek

In a match defined as much by security failures as by footballing grit, Algerian side USM Alger secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final on Sunday night. Despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco’s Olympique Safi, the visitors advanced on the away goals rule following a scoreless first leg in Algiers, setting up a heavyweight championship clash against Egyptian giants Zamalek.

The contest was nearly derailed before it began. Scenes of disorder unfolded at Stade El Massira as home supporters launched a mass pitch invasion just minutes before the scheduled start. The breach, which included attempts to attack the visiting Algerian fans, forced officials to delay the kickoff by more than an hour. While Olympique Safi players eventually managed to persuade the crowd back into the stands, the atmosphere remained volatile throughout the evening.

When play finally commenced, USM Alger struck a decisive blow deep into first-half stoppage time. Ahmed Khaldi stepped up to convert a penalty, handing the defending champions a vital away goal and a lead they would defend with everything they had. Olympique Safi dominated much of the second-half possession in search of a comeback, eventually finding a lifeline fifteen minutes from time when Senegalese substitute Moussa Kone rose to head home a well-placed corner.

However, the footballing rhythm was repeatedly shattered by further crowd trouble. The referee was forced to halt play twice in the second half as a barrage of bottles and fireworks rained down onto the pitch from the stands. These frequent disruptions led to an extraordinary 19 minutes of added time being played at the end of the match. Despite the immense pressure and the hostile environment, USM Alger held firm through the extended closing stages to protect their aggregate advantage.

USM Alger, who previously lifted this trophy three years ago, now turn their focus to a final showdown with Zamalek. The Algerian side will host the first leg in Algiers on either May 9 or 10, with the return leg taking place in Cairo one week later to determine the kings of the continent’s secondary club competition.