CAFCC: Holders USM Alger Knocks Out Rivers United
Defending champions of the CAF Confederation Cup, USM Alger of Algeria, secured its spot in the semi-finals of the competition on Sunday night after defeating Rivers United of Nigeria 2-0 in the second leg of the quarter-finals.
Rivers United defeated USM Alger 1-0 in the first leg in Nigeria. However, USM Alger kept alive its hopes of retaining the title with an aggregate score of 2-1 to advance to the last four.
USM Alger started the match strongly, aiming to open the scoring, but they were unable to do so until the 37th minute when Abdullah Kanou opened the scoring from close range.
Rivers United came close to equalising in the second half, but Andy Ogbai’s header hit the crossbar of the Algerian goalkeeper, Osama Ben Boute, in the 72nd minute.
However, Kanou struck again in the 74th minute, securing the second goal that guaranteed the defending champions’ qualification to the semi-finals.
The hosts secure a home win thanks to Abdoulaye Kanou’s brace. ☄️ #TotalEnergiesCAFCC | #USMARIV pic.twitter.com/ZCjGTaeuni
— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 7, 2024
Malian striker, Abdullah Kanou, scored both goals for USM Alger that secured the valuable victory for his team, allowing them to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive time.
USM Alger will face Moroccan club Berkane in the semi-finals later on this month.
Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup results
Dreams 1-1 Stade Malien
Zamalek 1-1 Future
USM Alger 2-0 Rivers United
RS Berkane 3-2 Abu Salim.
Road to the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC finals: updated! ✅ pic.twitter.com/0fYdJDWEeb
— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 8, 2024
CAF/Chidi Nwoke.
