CAFCC: USM Alger have worked so hard to be ready for CS Constantine – says Paqueta

Photo Credit - USM Alger.

USM Alger coach Marcos Paqueta has discussed their readiness to take on CS Constantine in the return leg of their CAF Confederation Cup at Stade du 5 Juillet on Wednesday.

The two sides will go into decisive the fixture tied at 1-1 from the first leg and according to Paqueta, they have done all what is needed to overcome their rivals and book a place in the last four of the inter-club competition.

“This month will be decisive for USM Alger because there is the CAF Confederation Cup, but also the Algerian Cup. I know it will be a very tough match against CS Constantine. I hope my players are ready for this match. We have worked so hard to make sure they are,” said Paqueta as quoted by CAFOnline.

His sentiments were echoed by player Kamel Soufi, who said as quoted by the same portal: “We are aware of the importance of the CAF Confederation Cup, which is different from the Algerian championship or the Algerian Cup. We have prepared well for this game. We, the players, hope to rise to the occasion and bring the joy of qualification to our fans.”

During the first leg involving an all-Algerian clash at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui, Congolese player Kévin Mondeko scored to cancel out Constantine’s first half lead courtesy of Mounder Temine.

However, USMA will go into the clash minus Salim Boukhenchouche, who was sent off during the first leg battle.