CAFCC: USM Alger get a late away goal in first leg draw at CS Constantine

An all-Algerian clash in the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup provided plenty of drama as USM Alger came back to score an away goal and draw 1-1 at CS Constantine on Wednesday.

Former TP Mazembe defender Kévin Mondeko scored the crucial equalizer in the 73rd minute to give USMA the edge heading back to Algiers for the second leg in one week's time. USMA will be without midfielder Salim Boukhenchouche after he was sent off shortly after Mondeko's goal.

Hosts CSC dominated the first half, backed by fierce home support. Close to the half hour mark they were rewarded for their efforts when Fethallah Tahar played an excellent long ball from the right flank towards the far post of the USMA goal. Houari Baouche took the ball down and his shot attempt deflected right to Mounder Temine who was left with an easy header to finish.

After CSC went into halftime with the lead, USMA produced a much better second half. A moment of fortune saw the visitors rewarded with a penalty kick after a handball was committed by Baouche. However, a poor spot kick up the middle from Mehdi Merghem was well saved by CSC goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.

But USMA persisted with their efforts to obtain a valuable away goal and Mondeko was in the right place in the 73rd minute. An accurate free kick service from the left wing found the Congolese defender at the far post whose initial volley was denied but the ball took a kind deflection off Mondeko and into the goal with Bouhalfaya helpless on the ground.

The teams will meet again in a heated environment at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers with plenty at stake including a place in the semifinals.