USM Alger Turn Focus to CAF Champions League After Domestic Setbacks
With their domestic campaign faltering and the Algerian Cup dream over, USM Alger are now pinning their hopes on the CAF Champions League as their final opportunity to salvage silverware this season.
The reigning Algerian champions are set to travel to Mali this weekend for a decisive second-leg clash against AS Kaloum of Guinea in the Round of 16 of Africa’s most prestigious club competition. The Red and Black hold a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Algiers, but know that the away goal conceded could prove costly.
Despite the pressure, the mood within the camp remains composed. Speaking to L’Expression, goalkeeper and team captain Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche expressed cautious optimism.
“Honestly, we’re heading to Bamako with serious assets in hand,” said Zemmamouche. “It’s true that the goal we conceded at home benefits Kaloum, but football is unpredictable. The return leg will be different. They’ll have to push forward, and that could give us opportunities to counter and exploit space.”
The tie is finely balanced, and USM Alger are aware that AS Kaloum, backed by strong support in the Malian capital, will come out aggressively in pursuit of qualification. For the Algerians, tactical discipline and resilience will be key.
USMA’s recent form has been far from convincing. The club, once favorites for the Ligue 1 title, has now gone five matches without a win, including a disappointing derby draw against MC Alger last weekend. As a result, their hopes of defending the domestic crown are rapidly fading.
Still, Zemmamouche insists the season is not yet lost. “We’ve had some difficult moments, but I believe we can still finish on the podium. We’re just four points behind ES Sétif and two behind MO Béjaïa, who we’ll soon face at home in Bologhine. Nothing is decided yet.”
With their league form in question, the CAF Champions League presents a fresh stage and a chance for redemption. Victory in Bamako would see USM Alger through to the group stage—bringing not only continental prestige but also renewed belief for the remainder of their campaign.
