USM Alger host Olympique Club de Safi at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 on Saturday, April 11, 2026 (16:00 UTC) in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final.
Both sides arrive in Algiers buoyed by dramatic quarter-final qualifications, each needing the away goals rule to reach the last four.
USM Alger edged past DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union after a 2-2 aggregate draw, with their experience and composure proving decisive in a tightly contested tie.
Safi, meanwhile, survived an intense Moroccan derby against Wydad Casablanca, progressing after a 3-3 aggregate result. Despite conceding a late equaliser, they held firm under pressure to secure their place in the semi-finals.
The Algerian hosts will be expected to take initiative on home soil, leaning on structure and continental know-how to build an advantage before the return leg. Safi, however, have already shown resilience on the road to the semi-finals and will be confident of keeping the tie alive.
With a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final within reach, fine margins, tactical discipline and game management are likely to define a closely fought first leg in Algiers.
