Coupe de la Confédération/USMA – CSC: chaud duel pour une place dans le dernier carré
On April 9, 2023, USM Alger and CS Constantine will face off in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final match at the 5-Juillet Stadium in Algiers. This match is crucial for both teams, as they seek to secure a place in the semi-finals and extend their journey in a prestigious tournament.
USM Alger comes into the match with the psychological edge, having attained a 1-1 draw in the first leg held at the Shahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine. This result allows them the advantage of qualifying for the semi-finals with a draw of 0-0 in the return match. Despite this, they cannot afford to become complacent, as the stakes are high.
CS Constantine, on the other hand, is determined to overturn the outcome of the first leg. Although they did not perform as intended, they are not ready to concede defeat. The « Sanafir » have a history of pulling surprises; their last encounter against USM Alger at the same venue resulted in a 2-1 victory for them in a league match earlier in the season. This history gives them hope as they aim for their first semi-final appearance in the club’s history.
The expectations for this match are heightened, with both teams adjusting their strategies and mental readiness. « We played well in Constantine and came away with a decent draw, but that result doesn’t guarantee our advancement. Everything will be decided in the return leg, » warned USM Alger’s defender Adem Alilet, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.
In terms of squad movements, USM Alger will be missing key midfielder Salim Boukhenchouche due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the first leg. His absence could be pivotal, and the team will need to adapt accordingly.
CS Constantine, meanwhile, will also face challenges with the absence of players due to injuries. Coach Kheireddine Madoui has confirmed that attacker Tahar Fathallah and midfielder Miloud Rebiaï will miss the match, putting added pressure on the rest of the squad. Madoui acknowledged the difference in experience between the two teams, emphasizing the need for his players to display resolve in this high-pressure match.
The match will be officiated by a team of Egyptian referees led by Mohamed Amin Omar, along with assistants Mahmoud Abou El Regal and Ahmad Houssam Taha, and the VAR officials also hailing from Egypt.
Both the outcomes of this match and the other quarter-finals will shape the semi-finals bracket. The winner of the USM Alger-CS Constantine match will meet the victor of the RS Berkane versus ASEC Mimosas tie, while the other quarter-finals pit FC Stellenbosch against Zamalek SC and SC Al Masry against Simba SC.
As anticipation builds for this encounter, both teams are motivated not just by the opportunity of progressing in the competition but also by a desire for regional bragging rights. With stakes this high and the backing of passionate fans, the clash promises to be an intense and thrilling match that showcases the competitive spirit of Algerian football.
