CAF Confederation Cup: USM Alger and OC Safi set to duel for Group A supremacy

The two quarterfinal participants from Group A were already determined before Sunday’s matches in the CAF Confederation Cup as USM Alger and OC Safi both won to set up an intriguing duel between the two teams next weekend.

In Sunday’s later clash, OCS remained within a point of their Algerian rivals following a tight 2-1 victory over last place Djoliba AC of Mali. Midfield captain Sofian El Moudane led the charge by scoring both goals for the hosts at the Stade El Massira.

It took less than a minute for the former Wydad player to produce a flawless finish from Walid Atik’s low cross. The visitors did not come to just make up the numbers, with Aboubacar Diarra finishing from the penalty spot to leave the teams level after fifteen minutes.

But El Moudane was not done. The veteran doubled his tally early in the second half to secure the victory for his club, who are enjoying a successful distraction in continental competition away from their awful form in Morocco’s top flight Botola Pro.

Earlier in the day, USMA overcame hosts FC San Pédro of Ivory Coast in an absolute thriller at the Stade Laruent Pokou.

3 goals in the first 6 minutes between FC San Pedro & USM Alger today! 😮‍💨#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/oDdx8Hu2lV

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 8, 2026

Incredibly, three goals were scored inside the opening six minutes with Cameroon national team defender Che Malone opening the scoring in the 2nd minute before Congolese midfielder Glody Likonza made it 2-0 in favor of the visitors from Algeria before five minutes had elapsed.

But San Pédro responded instantly to the second goal through star attacker Issouf Dosso. He went on to add another goal before halftime to leave the teams level at the interval.

However, in the end it was USMA who maintained their status as group leaders courtesy of substitute Mohamed Bouderbala’s fantastic finish into the top corner. Collecting a cross from Houssem Ghacha that snuck through to the edge of the area, the young forward maneuvered past a defender before firing in the match winner.

The Algiers giants now hold the edge ahead of their decisive clash against OCS at home next Saturday, where all they need is to avoid defeat to win Group A.

CAF Confederation Cup: Group A Table