CS Constantine and USM Alger set for CAF Cup quarter-final clash

CS Constantine and USM Alger face off on Wednesday in an all-Algerian showdown in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

The encounter at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aiming for a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.

Where and when to watch

The match kicks off at 5 p.m. local time (GMT+1), with French viewers able to tune in at 6 p.m. (CET). The game will be broadcast live on beIN Sports Max 4 in France.

A battle for supremacy

USM Alger, the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup winners, are eager to reclaim the title after falling short last year due to CAF-imposed sanctions.

The team was eliminated in the semi-finals following their refusal to play against RS Berkane, whose kit included a map of Morocco featuring Western Sahara—a geopolitical dispute that led to controversy.

Now, USMA is back with renewed determination, aiming to reassert itself among Africa’s elite clubs.

The team boasts an impressive record at this stage of the competition, having won its last two CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

Form guide and head-to-head

Heading into the match, USM Alger holds the edge in form, having gone four matches unbeaten in all competitions.

In contrast, CS Constantine has struggled in recent weeks, failing to register a win in six consecutive matches.

Their most recent encounter on November 21 saw USMA secure a narrow 1-0 victory, a result that underscores their status as favorites.

However, with home advantage on their side, Constantine will be determined to reverse their fortunes and deliver a strong performance.

What’s at stake?

With a CAF Confederation Cup semi-final spot on the line, both teams will be keen to gain the upper hand before the second leg.

تصريحات مدرب الفريق “ماركوس باكيتا” و متوسّط الميدان ” عبد الكريم نعماني ” خلال الندوة الصحفية التي تسبق مباراة فريقنا أمام النادي الرياضي القسنطيني لحساب ذهاب الدور ربع النهائي من كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية لكرة القدم . pic.twitter.com/zDjDGWWYqU

— USM Alger (@USMAofficiel) April 1, 2025

While USM Alger enters with confidence and a winning pedigree, CS Constantine will look to defy expectations and seize the opportunity to advance in continental competition.

As the two Algerian sides prepare for battle, the stage is set for an intense and high-stakes encounter in Constantine.