USM Alger Confirms Champions League Group Stage Spot, Eyes Semi-Final Ambition
USM Alger has officially booked its ticket to the CAF Champions League group stage, following a gritty 1-1 draw against AS Kaloum in Bamako, which secured their passage thanks to a 2-1 victory in the first leg.
The result marks a significant step forward for the Algerian giants, who now shift focus to the competition’s later rounds — with the semi-finals firmly in their sights. Speaking after the match, club president Rebbouh Haddad expressed both pride and ambition.
“I’m very happy with this qualification for the group stages of the Champions League,” Haddad said via the club’s official website. “I thank the players for their efforts. It was not easy, especially playing in 44°C heat. We must now redouble our efforts to finish the domestic championship strong and reach the Champions League semi-finals.”
The match was held at Bamako’s Modibo Keïta Stadium, due to CAF’s ban on hosting international fixtures in Guinea because of the Ebola crisis. Despite the relocation and scorching temperatures, USM Alger demonstrated composure and resilience to complete the job away from home.
Now safely through to the next phase, USM Alger’s campaign intensifies on two fronts. In addition to their African ambitions, the club remains in strong contention for the Algerian Ligue 1 title, with just four matches left to play. The team is well-positioned and healthy heading into the crucial final stretch of the season.
For Haddad and the Red and Black, the message is clear: ambition and focus. With one major qualification in the bag, the club is determined to make a deeper mark on the continental stage — while pushing to bring home domestic silverware in the same breath.
