CAF Champions League: USM Alger to Face Al Hilal in Semi-Finals
Algiers, Algeria – After a commanding group-stage campaign in the CAF Champions League, USM Alger are turning their focus to the semi-finals, where they will face Al Hilal of Sudan.
The first leg will take place in Omdurman on Sunday, September 27, while the return fixture is set for Friday, October 2 in Algiers.
USMA, who have never reached the final of a continental competition, are determined to make history and emulate ES Sétif, who lifted the title last season despite being considered underdogs.
This marks only the second time in USM Alger’s history that they have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Keen to maximise their chances, the club’s management is adamant that the return leg be held at the Omar-Hamadi Stadium in Bologhine, their usual home ground.
“Until proven otherwise, the match is scheduled for Friday, October 2 at the Omar-Hamadi stadium,” said Hadj Adlene, spokesperson for the club. “It would be risky to relocate this match to the July 5 stadium, especially since the players have their own landmarks in Bologhine.”
Head coach Miloud Hamdi had earlier expressed a desire to move the second leg to the larger 5-Juillet Stadium, but this suggestion was swiftly dismissed by the club’s leadership, who are prioritising familiarity and home advantage.
Should USM Alger qualify for the final, they will host the first leg of the showpiece event. That final could potentially be played at the July 5 Stadium, especially if the opponent comes from the tie between TP Mazembe of DR Congo and Al Merrikh of Sudan.
