USMA dumped out of Confederation Cup

USM Alger player Mohamed Benyahia (m) in action during the 2018 CAF Confederations Cup game between Al Masry and USM Alger

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Sep 23, 2018. 23:16

USM Alger have been eliminated from the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup after they fell 0-1 (0-2 on aggregate) at the hands of Al Masry at the Stade 8 Mei 1945 in Setif on Sunday night.

The Egyptian side enjoyed a 1-0 lead from the first leg of the quarterfinal tie last weekend. Their Algerian hosts were unable to find inspiration at an alternate venue, as their regular home in Algiers was unavailable due to renovations.

Alger would have hoped to build pressure through the first half, but the visitors struck a major blow in the 34th minute when Mahmoud Wadi beat goalkeeper Mohamed Zemmamouche to make it 1-0 to Masry on the night and 2-0 overall.

USM’s poor performance in the first half would have stung them into action for the second, and they soon looked to boost their attack with the introduction of Aymen Mahious in the 53rd minute.

Just under 10 minutes later they had a great chance to get themselves back in the tie when Abderrahmane Meziane was presented with a sight of goal, but he put his effort straight at ‘keeper Ahmed Masoud.

Masry were able to see out the remainder of the tie in comfort and secure progression. They will face DR Congo’s AS Vita in the semifinals, with home and away matches on October 3 and 24 respectively. The other semifinal sees Nigeria’s Enyimba tackle Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.

USM Alger 0
Al Masry (1) 1 (Wadi 34’)

Al Masry won 2-0 on aggregate

Alger: Zemmamouche, Meftah (Ardji 70’), Chafai, Benyahia, Benmoussa, Chita, Benkhemassa, Benguit, Bouderbal (Mahious 53’), Meziane, Ibara

Masry: Masoud, Shatta, Koffi, Abdelmawgod, Marcelo, Shawky, Moussa, Grendo, Gomaa (Jebrin 80’), Eissa, Wadi