USM Alger and CR Belouizdad face contrasting away tests on Matchday Four of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, with both Algerian clubs chasing crucial outcomes as the group stage begins to take shape.
USM Alger, the clear leaders of Group A with nine points, travel to Bamako to meet Djoliba AC knowing that another victory would secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The Algiers side have been flawless so far, winning all three of their group matches, and arrive with the aim of extending that perfect record on Malian soil.
However, the trip comes during a period of change for the “Red and Blacks”.
Their preparations have been overshadowed by a turbulent week marked by the departure of head coach Abdelhak Benchikha, whose contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
In his absence, Hadj Adlane has been appointed on an interim basis and is tasked with maintaining stability while preserving the team’s positive momentum in continental competition.
Djoliba AC, by contrast, sit bottom of the group with no points from three matches and have all but compromised their qualification hopes.
Despite that, the Malian side will be eager to respond in front of their home supporters and register their first positive result of the campaign against the group leaders.
Elsewhere in Group A, Olympique Safi, second with six points, host San Pedro FC, who are third on three points.
The fixture carries particular importance for the Ivorian side, who will be looking to make amends after losing 2-1 to the same opponents in their previous meeting.
In Group C, CR Belouizdad face a far more delicate assignment as they travel to Cape Town to take on South Africa’s Stellenbosch.
The South Africans were beaten 2-0 by CRB in the previous round at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki and will be determined to gain revenge on home ground and revive their qualification prospects.
Coached by German tactician Sead Ramovic, the Laâquiba club must handle the trip carefully to avoid a setback that could seriously damage their chances of progressing.
The stakes are heightened by the fact that Abderaouf Benguit and his teammates will then head to Tanzania for another demanding away fixture against Singida Black Stars.
Despite the difficulty of the task, CR Belouizdad are seen as having the resources to return with a positive result, or even a victory, provided they remain focused and defensively solid throughout the contest.
The other Group C match also carries high stakes, with Otoho d’Oyo of Congo, fourth on three points, hosting Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars, who sit third with four points.
For the Congolese side, there is little margin for error as they seek to keep their qualification hopes alive.
