USM Alger have booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final, where they will face Zamalek, after edging Olympic Safi on the away goals rule following a tense 1-1 draw in the second leg.
The semi-final clash at the El Massira Stadium ended 1-1, with Ahmed Khaldi scoring from the spot for USM Alger and Moussa Kone equalising for Olympic Safi. However, the Algerian side progressed thanks to their crucial away goal from the first half.
The match was heavily disrupted before kick-off, which was delayed by over an hour after a pitch invasion and crowd unrest both on and off the stands.
Once play finally began, Olympic Safi created the first real chance early on, but USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbot produced a sharp save to deny Youness Najari.
USM Alger responded with opportunities of their own, including a close-range effort from Brahim Benzaza, while Benbot remained busy, making another key stop to keep out Imad Serbout.
The visitors came closest in open play just before half-time when Dramane Kamagate was denied in a one-on-one situation before Benzaza fired over from the rebound.
Their breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time after VAR awarded a penalty for handball. Khaldi stepped up and calmly slotted home to give USM Alger a vital away goal advantage.
Olympic Safi pushed for a response after the break and found an equaliser in the 75th minute through Moussa Kone, who headed home from close range after a corner.
Despite late pressure and a lengthy period of stoppage time due to repeated interruptions, USM Alger held firm defensively to protect their aggregate advantage.
The match eventually ended 1-1, sending USM Alger through 2-1 on aggregate via the away goals rule.
The Algerian side will now face Egyptian giants Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup final, which is set to be played over two legs in May.
Final Score:
Olympic Safi 1-1 USM Alger (USMA win on away goals, 2-1 aggregate)
