USM Alger booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final after battling to a 1-1 draw away to Olympique de Safi in a dramatic and disrupted semi-final second leg on Sunday night.
The result handed the Algerian side progression on away goals following a goalless first leg in Algiers, ending Safi’s historic run at the semi-final stage.
The decisive encounter in Safi was overshadowed early on by crowd disturbances involving visiting supporters, forcing a delay of one hour and 20 minutes before kick-off. Despite the chaotic build-up, both sides delivered a high-intensity contest befitting the stakes.
USM Alger struck a crucial blow just before half-time when Ahmed Khaldi calmly converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, putting the visitors ahead and firmly in control of the tie.
The opening half was played at a relentless pace, with both teams combining for 17 shots — one of the highest first-half tallies in this season’s tournament. Olympique Safi, backed by their home crowd, created the bulk of the chances but were repeatedly frustrated in front of goal.
The Moroccan side’s persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute when substitute Moussa Koné rose highest to head home an equaliser, sparking hopes of a late comeback.
However, Safi were unable to find the decisive second goal. Despite registering an impressive 41 attempts across both legs, they managed just one goal against a disciplined and well-organised USM Alger defence that held firm under sustained pressure in the closing stages.
The result marks a significant milestone for USM Alger, who reached the Confederation Cup final for the second time in their history, becoming the first Algerian club to do so twice after lifting the trophy in the 2022/23 season.
For Olympique Safi, the exit is bittersweet. They leave the competition unbeaten in their last five matches but are undone by inefficiency in front of goal. Their run of five consecutive draws sets a record in a single edition of the tournament — a testament to their resilience, but also their missed opportunities.
USM Alger will now face Zamalek SC in what promises to be a thrilling final, after the Egyptian giants advanced past CR Belouizdad.
The first leg of the final is scheduled to take place in Algeria next month, with the return leg in Cairo a week later, setting the stage for a compelling battle between two continental heavyweights
