CS Constantine and USM Alger will face off in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup following Thursday’s draw, setting up a highly anticipated all-Algerian encounter.
The fixture pits two of Algeria’s top clubs against each other in a tie that promises to be evenly contested.
CS Constantine head coach Kheireddine Madoui believes there is no clear favorite in the matchup, stressing that small details will determine the outcome.
Balanced contest expected
Speaking about the draw, Madoui emphasized the equal footing of both sides.
The chances are equal. Whoever can manage this period in the best way and avoid injuries will have the upper hand in the competition, he stated in comments shared by CS Constantine on social media.
USM Alger, the defending CAF Confederation Cup champions, will be looking to maintain their continental dominance, while CS Constantine, also known as Doyen, aim to upset their domestic rivals and secure a place in the semi-finals.
A guaranteed Algerian representative in the semi-finals
Regardless of the result, Algeria is assured of having a club in the last four, a fact that brings Madoui some satisfaction.
We will give our best, and above all, Algeria will have a representative in the semi-final of the CAF Cup,” he added.
The first leg is scheduled to take place on April 2 at CS Constantine’s home ground, with the decisive return match to be played in Algiers on April 9.
Both teams will now intensify their preparations for what is expected to be a fiercely contested tie, with a place in the semi-finals of Africa’s second-tier club competition at stake.
