Algiers – CS Constantine secured a historic qualification to the semifinals of the African Confederation Cup for the first time, defeating USM Alger 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw (0-1 at halftime) in the quarterfinal return leg on Wednesday night at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.
The match initially favored USMA, who had secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Constantine and took an early lead in the return leg. USMA pressed the visitors early on, creating several chances, including a header from Mondiko that went wide in the 13th minute off a corner from Ben Zaza. CSC’s Abdennour Belhocini responded in the 16th minute with a shot that USMA goalkeeper Benbout parried with difficulty, followed by a close miss from teammate Benchaa inside the box.
USMA regained momentum and capitalized when CSC defender Blaou committed a foul on USMA’s Merghoum, leading Egyptian referee Amir Mohamed Omar to award a penalty. Adam Alilat converted it successfully in the 25th minute, sparking joy among the heavily present USMA supporters. This goal spurred CSC, coached by Kheireddine Madoui, to push for an equalizer with dangerous moves, such as a play orchestrated by Ibrahim Dib in the 34th minute and a chance by Mondher Temime in the 39th, though the first half ended with USMA leading 1-0.
The second half saw USMA nearly seal the tie when Ben Ayad fired a shot over the bar in the 47th minute, but CSC fought back. Despite missed opportunities from Dib, Benchaa, and Temime, Belhocini leveled the score in the 56th minute with a fine header that USMA’s goalkeeper couldn’t stop. Both teams then traded chances, but neither could score, ending the match 1-1 and forcing a penalty shootout.
CSC triumphed 4-3 in the shootout, with Dib, Boudrama, Temime, and Bouguerra scoring, while Merbah missed for CSC. USMA’s Alilat and Mahrous missed their attempts, with Adalid, Mondiko, and Gacha scoring. The first leg at Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine had also ended 1-1.
CSC will now face RS Berkane, who advanced past ASAC Mimosa of Ivory Coast, in the semifinals. This marks CSC’s first-ever semifinal appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup, while USMA, last year’s semifinalists and 2023 champions, exit the competition.
Post-Match Statements Gathered by APS:
- Kheireddine Madoui (CSC Coach):
“Congratulations to CS Constantine and all its fans for this historic qualification. Thanks to the supporters who came to cheer us on and to the players for their outstanding performance. The match wasn’t easy, but we were the better side, controlling most of the game. We conceded from an individual error, but we came back strongly, especially in the second half, managing the game and neutralizing USMA’s strengths. Penalties favored us this time, unlike past experiences. Our players believed in themselves until the last minute and the final penalty by Bouguerra. As for substitute goalkeeper Boussouf, I saw great confidence in him and chose him for the shootout over Bouhalfaya, who saved a penalty in the first leg. Boussouf’s experience with various Algerian teams and seniority in the squad paid off. Reaching the semifinals makes us dream of winning the cup, and we’ll go all out for it. The competition will get tougher, so we’ll prepare well for the Golden Square and aim to maintain this level.” - Abdennour Belhocini (CSC Player):
“Qualification wasn’t easy against an experienced continental team. After the first-leg draw, we players agreed to give our all in the capital to secure this historic achievement. Thanks to God and my teammates’ efforts, I scored a crucial equalizer in the return leg. We’ll keep pushing forward in the remaining matches.” - Kheireddine Boussouf (CSC Goalkeeper):
“Praise God for this historic semifinal qualification and for making our fans, who traveled to the capital, happy. The players rose to the occasion with great confidence. We started well, but USMA scored against the run of play. After the coach’s instructions, we returned stronger in the second half with more focus. After equalizing, I asked the coach to let me step in for penalties if needed, assuring him of my ability to qualify the team—and God granted us success. I thank my teammates for their tremendous efforts all season, along with the technical staff, but the journey isn’t over yet.” - dzwatch.dz
