CAF Confederation Cup: AS Maniema Union overcome rain, USMA in quarterfinal 1st leg

AS Maniema Union will take a two-goal lead to Algeria after defeating USM Alger 3-1 on Sunday in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinal clash.

Captain and defender Exaucia Moanda finished from a free kick in the second half to give the Congolese club the lead at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. The two teams traded penalty kicks before Moanda’s match winner, with Clement Pitroipa converting from the spot for Maniema Union before Ahmed Khaldi leveled the match early in the second half.

The hosts got off to a strong start and put relentless pressure on USMA in the first half. Towards the 40th minute, Jordi Mukoko’s shot attempt went off the arm of USMA midfielder Islam Merili, resulting in a penalty kick for Pitroipa to convert and put the hosts in the lead.

Jeancy Mboma appeared destined to double the lead just before halftime but after his brilliant dribble run and pass, Beni Namboka somehow put his finish wide from less than six yards out.

The Algerian club made two halftime substitutions and notably improved their performance. A long pass towards the right flank found Houssam Ghacha and the USMA playmaker was tripped up by Maniema goalkeeper Detan Ogundare just inside the penalty area. A VAR review confirmed a penalty kick and Khaldi fired his effort into the top corner.

Heavy rains began to fall shortly after the leveler and it was the hosts who benefited most. A free kick was awarded on the left flank and Obed Mbala’s excellent service to the far post found the run of Moanda for the second goal.

The continued rain made playing conditions almost impossible to play on but USMA nearly equalized late when Khaldi got behind on the right flank. However, despite lofting his shot beyond Ogundare, the Nigerian goalkeeper was relieved to turn and watch the ball go off the post before being cleared by his defense.

The hosts escaped again close to full time when Ghacha’s excellent skill and cross was just out of reach of a teammate.

The second leg will be next Sunday at the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers. Despite trailing, USMA will be considered favorites to overturn the deficit and advance to the semifinals.

First-leg advantage for AS Maniema Union over USM Alger. ✅#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/JBN9HKV359

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 15, 2026