Algeria’s USM Alger came out on top by a 4-3 aggregate score in their CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal duel with ASFAR of Morocco despite a 3-2 second leg victory for the Moroccan club in Rabat on Sunday. An early own goal gave the hosts hope but a quick response from USMA restored the two-goal lead the Algerian club gained from the first leg and spoiled ASFAR’s comeback attempt. USM Alger are through to the semifinals where they will face Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas.
The action arrived quickly in the Moroccan capital of Rabat and the home supporters were at full volume in the 8th minute when ASFAR forward Ahmed Hammoudan got free on the left wing before his cross came off USMA midfielder Oussama Chita and into his own goal. The Prince Moulay Abdullah Stadium was silenced within five minutes however after an early cross from USMA forward Tumisang Orebonye found Saâdi Radouani for a header past ASFAR goalkeeper Ayoub Lakred.
Radouani’s goal meant ASFAR needed three goals to advance and their Algerian opponents were content to sit back and counter attack. After the hosts were denied a penalty kick by a Video Assistant Referee review early in the second half, central defender Diney Borges restored hope when the Cape Verdean bounced his header past USMA keeper Oussama Benbout around the hour mark.
It was not enough for ASFAR whose elimination was confirmed in the 78th minute by USMA substitute Khaled Bousseliou, who finished with a superb chip over the advancing Lakred after Orebonye’s pass sent the forward in alone on goal. ASFAR tallied one more goal with Mohamed Hrimat’s penalty kick in stoppage time but the home supporters were already leaving en masse with ASFAR not having enough time to score the two further goals required.
Highlights from the second leg are below.
