qualification du CS Constantine en demi-finale, un exploit historique pour le club
CS Constantine Reaches Historical Milestone in African Confederation Cup
On Wednesday night, CS Constantine made an impressive mark by qualifying for the semi-finals of the African Confederation Cup, showcasing their significant growth in continental football. In a tense match at the iconic July 5th Stadium, they triumphed over USM Alger in a penalty shootout, securing a 4-3 victory after both legs ended in a 1-1 draw.
The journey to this milestone was not without its challenges. In the first leg, held at the Stade Chahid Hamlaoui in Constantine, the two teams ended in a stalemate, setting the stage for a crucial return match. Under the leadership of coach Kheireddine Madoui, the players were eager to make amends and deliver a strong performance on their home turf.
In the first half of the return leg, CS Constantine demonstrated their dominance but failed to convert opportunities into goals. Instead, they faced a setback when Adem Alilet scored for USM Alger from a penalty, a result of a defensive miscommunication. Despite this early blow, the team regrouped during halftime, displaying resilience and determination.
The second half proved to be pivotal for CS Constantine, with Abdenour Belhocini scoring a well-executed header to equalize. The momentum shifted in favor of the home side, and they maintained this intensity until the end of regular time. When the match proceeded to penalties, the CS Constantine squad remained composed, successfully converting four of their attempts. In contrast, USM Alger faltered, missing two crucial penalties, leading to their elimination.
Coach Madoui reflected on the match’s dynamics, emphasizing the tactical prowess and psychological strategy that contributed to their success. He acknowledged the challenge posed by USM Alger, a team rich in continental experience, but noted that his team managed to exploit their weaknesses effectively. “We controlled the game well, especially in the second half, which allowed us to qualify. The win is well-deserved and we dedicate it to the city of Constantine and our loyal supporters,” he stated.
Analysts observed that Madoui’s tactical acumen was complemented by a clever psychological maneuver; he substituted in second-choice goalkeeper Kheireddine Boussouf during the penalty shootout. This decision appeared to unsettle USM Alger players, leading them to miss critical shots and allowing CS Constantine to capitalize on their mistakes.
Having reached the semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history, the focus now shifts towards the next challenge. Madoui expressed his ambition for the team to strive for a place in the finals and potentially secure a continental title, an achievement he previously celebrated in 2014 with ES Sétif in the Champions League.
As the team prepares for their upcoming semi-final against Berkane, scheduled for April 20th, the coaching staff is keenly aware of the battle ahead. “The match will be tough, but we will have an advantage playing at home in the second leg,” Madoui commented. He underscored the need for focused preparation and analysis of their next opponents, emphasizing that while the task is daunting, anything is possible in football.
This historic success for CS Constantine not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also revitalizes hopes among Algerian supporters for continued success in African competitions. As they move forward, the team’s determination and collective spirit will be crucial in their quest for glory.
