CAFCC: CS Constantine eliminate fellow Algerian club USM Alger

CS Constantine came to Algiers and got the result they needed on Wednesday against fellow Algerian side USM Alger, drawing 1-1 to level the aggregate score before winning in a penalty kick shootout to advance to the semifinals.

After a 1-1 result in Constantine, USMA had the edge at home and got off to a strong start. A first half opportunity saw CSC goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya do excellently to close down a shot attempt but two defenders had a miscommunication and failed to clear the ball, resulting in a penalty kick that was converted by USMA captain Adem Alilet.

But the visitors showed great resilience and did not allow USMA to run away with the victory. Having created a fair amount of opportunities themselves, CSC were rewarded for their persistence close to the hour mark when star maestro Brahim Dib played a brilliant ball over the top of the USMA defense to find Abdennour Belhocini, who placed his header perfectly beyond the reach of USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbout.

With the aggregate score level at the end of regular time, the match went straight to penalty kicks. USMA captain Alilet stepped up for the first spot kick but sent his effort far over the bar. After Dib and Achref Boudrama converted for CSC, Rayane Mahrouz's effort was saved on the third attempt for USMA.

Messala Merbah failed to score for CSC but the visitors scored on their final two attempts to hold on for the victory. CSC will now face Moroccan champions RS Berkane in the semifinals with the first leg set for April 20 at the Stade Municipal Berkane.