Algerian club USM Alger remained three points clear at the top of Group C in the CAF Confederation Cup after overcoming a deficit to draw Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas with Sunday's 1-1 result in Abidjan. It was a special moment for 20-year-old forward Mohamed Benmazouz who scored his first professional goal for USMA with a brilliant header to cancel out Salifou Diarrasouba's first half strike.
ASEC got off to an excellent start at home and took a deserved lead in the 31st minute. A perfect cross from Togolese right back Atte Youssifou found diminutive attacker Diarrasouba whose initial shot was blocked before he found success with his second attempt to give the hosts the lead.
But Les Mimos were forced to settle for only one point on the day. USMA did not create much after halftime but a moment of brilliance gave them the desired result with a 71st minute equalizer. Nigerian attacker Wale Musa Alli provided a lofted cross and substitute Benmazouz leaped up to place a perfect header beyond the reach of diving ASEC goalkeeper Charles Folly.
Meanwhile in Dakar, Almamy Mathew Fall scored in the final moments to give Senegal's ASC Jaraaf a crucial 1-0 win against Orapa United of Botswana. Neither team have looked particularly impressive but the result moves Jaraaf level with second placed ASEC on 5 points and the Senegalese club have a great opportunity when they host ASEC in Dakar next weekend.
ASC Jaraaf 1-0 Orapa United highlights
Group C Table
GP | Points | |
USM Alger | 4 | 8 |
ASEC Mimosas | 4 | 5 |
ASC Jaraaf | 4 | 5 |
Orapa United | 4 | 2 |
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