CAF Confederation Cup: USM Alger knock out AFAD Plateau

Algerian giants USM Alger overturned a 0-1 first leg defeat to advance to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage with Saturday’s 3-0 second leg victory over Ivorian club AFAD Plateau in Algiers.

The Ivorian club’s inspired run came to an end in the final qualifying stage after the hosts asserted their dominance. A positive start for the visitors, who won the first leg 1-0 in Abidjan, was halted in the 14th minute when Ghile Ghenaoui’s corner kick found Houssam Ghacha, who was left wide open to open the scoring with a diving header.

Before the half hour mark, the AFAD Plateau were behind on the aggregate score as well when Brahim Benzaza unleashed a fierce low shot that snuck by goalkeeper Guy Okahi.

The visitors remained in the match, knowing that an away goal would put them back into the lead. However, USMA continued to maintain their dominance and focus and a late goal confirmed victory and a place in the group stage, where the 2022-23 CAF Confederation Cup champions will learn their opponents on November 3.