We still have a good chance to qualify – USM Alger coach

USM Alger player Hammar Ziri (C) celebrates after scoring against Caps United during the 2017 CAF Champions League game between USM Alger and Caps United in Algiers, Algeria on 9 July 2017 © BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Apr 10, 2018. 14:00

USM Alger coach Miloud Hamdi believes his side still has a good chance to qualify for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, despite a loss to Nigeria’s Plateau United this past weekend.

USMA suffered a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Plateau in Lagos on Saturday, with King Osanga and Emmanuel James netting for the home side, and Faouzi Yaya scoring what could prove to be a crucial away goal.

The return game of the playoff tie is set to be played in Algiers next Tuesday, with USMA hopeful that they can turn things in their favour.

"I think that in spite of this defeat, we keep all our chances of qualifying for the group phase. I am generally satisfied with the performance of my players,” Hamdi is quoted by Le Buteur.

“We were led to the score but my players were able to return to the best moment in the second half. Subsequently, we conceded a goal on an error but I remain satisfied with the game produced by my men.”

He added, “To be honest, this two-goal result is not so bad for us. I think it's important to have scored on the road.

“Admittedly, a draw would have been fairer to me because we have not lost, but we will do our best in the second leg to win.”