USM Alger continue fine form in Group D

USM Alger player Farouk Chafai

Wednesday Jul 18, 2018. 20:32

USM Alger secured their second CAF Confederation Cup Group D win when they beat Rayon Sports 2-1 at Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Rwanda on Wednesday evening.

Resulting from this hard fought victory, Alger are close to securing their spot in the knockout stages as they sit at number one with seven points from two wins and a single draw so far.

Rayon were looking for their first win in the group after opening their campaign with two draws and were hoping for a win at home.

The hosts started the encounter with guns blazing in search of an early goal, but they were not clinical upfront in the opening 20 minutes.

Following a number of attempts, it was Ismailla Diarra who found the back of the net with seven minutes to the interval to put the hosts ahead.

As they were looking to bag their second goal, Rayon allowed Alger to find their way back into the clash with Farouk Chafai’s goal before half time.

It was 1-1 at the interval.

Although coach Ivan Minnaert looked to push for an early goal in the second half, the North Africans were disciplined at the back.

Alger’s efforts were rewarded in the dying minutes of the clash when substitute Abdelraouf netted in injury time to ensure they bagged a win.

Minnaert's men now sit at number three in the group with two points from three matches.

Meanwhile, the two sides will renew their rivalry when the Rwandans get on the road on July 29 to honour their return clash in Algiers.

Rayon Sports (1) 1 (Diarra 38’)
USM Alger (1) 2 (Chafai 45’, Benguit 90’)

Rayon Sports: Bashunga, Ange, Rwatubyaye, Manzi, Irambona, Kwizera, Usengimana, Muhire, Mbondi (Bimenyimana 57’, Mugume 83’), Manishimwe, Diarra

USM Alger: Zemmamouche, Meftah, Chafai, Benyahia, Cherifi, Koudri (Benguit 68’), Chita, Benkhemessa, Bouderbal (Ardji 88’), Mahious (Yaya 60’), Meziane