CAFCC: USM Alger pounce on late error to win at Olympique Safi

Zakaria Draoui’s late goal was the difference as Algeria’s USM Alger claimed three points in Morocco with a 1-0 victory over Olympique de Safi in the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).

A costly turnover in their own penalty area left hosts Olympique de Safi on the losing end, with USMA midfielder Draoui finishing after receiving a pass from Riad Benayad. USMA secured first place in Group A with the result to confirm their status as favorites to win the group.

The match was mostly a tactical battle with little quality in the attack from both sides. Cautious away from home, USMA took few risks against an OCS side that is in poor form at the bottom of the table in Morocco’s top flight Botola Pro.

The action increased some in the second half thanks to the introduction of more attacking substitutions. Senegalese forward Moussa Kone added some impetus to the OCS attack, setting up fellow substitute Abderrahmane Qassaq for a shot that was tipped over by USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbot in the 65th minute.

But careless play in their own penalty area doomed OCS to defeat in the end. USMA attackers pressed high to win the ball and Draoui won the match with a sliding finish to avoid a scoreless draw.

Olympique de Safi, with three points after winning against Mali’s Djoliba AC in their group opener, will travel to face Ivorian club FC San Pedro when Group A resumes in late January. USMA, with six points from two games, will host Djoliba.