USM Alger booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after a tense 1-0 victory over AS Maniema Union in the second leg of their quarter-final clash on Sunday.
Played at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962, the encounter saw the Algerian side overturn a first-leg deficit in dramatic fashion, progressing on the away goals rule after a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo, USM Alger entered the match knowing that a narrow win without conceding would be enough to see them through. They delivered just that, thanks to a decisive moment in the first half.
Attacking midfielder Ibrahim Benzaza proved to be the difference-maker, finding the back of the net on the half-hour mark. The goal injected life into the home crowd and shifted momentum firmly in favour of the hosts, who grew in confidence as the game progressed.
AS Maniema Union struggled to break down a disciplined USM Alger defence in the second half. Despite pushing forward in search of the crucial away goal that would have altered the tie, the visitors were unable to carve out clear-cut opportunities.
Their frustrations were compounded deep into stoppage time when Exaucia Moanda was shown a red card, reducing the Congolese side to 10 men and effectively ending any hopes of a late comeback.
USM Alger managed the closing stages professionally, maintaining their slender lead and ensuring they did not concede, a key factor in the tie given the away goals rule.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought qualification for the Algerian club, who now advance to the last four of the competition. For AS Maniema Union, it was a bitter exit after a spirited two-legged contest, falling just short despite their first-leg advantage.
USM Alger will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they will look to continue their push for continental success.
