CAF Confederation Cup: Salaheddine Errahouli rallies OC Safi with passionate call ahead of USM Alger clash

Olympic Safi winger Salaheddine Errahouli has delivered a stirring message ahead of his side’s CAF Confederation Cup semifinal second-leg clash, insisting the team is determined to seize the moment and reward their supporters.

The Moroccan outfit will host USM Alger at the El Massira Stadium on Sunday night, April 19, with qualification to the final hanging in the balance after a goalless draw in the first leg in Algiers.

Errahouli acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion, emphasizing that Safi cannot afford to let the opportunity slip on home soil.

“We do not want to waste this opportunity. The Moroccan public and the Safi fans in particular support us,” he said. “We have a difficult path ahead, we have nothing left, and we will fight to make them happy.”

Olympic Safi held their own in the first leg at the Stade du 5 Juillet, grinding out a 0-0 result against the experienced Algerian side to keep the tie wide open heading into the return fixture.

However, the equation remains delicate. USM Alger, champions of the 2022/23 edition, could still progress with a scoring draw due to the away goals rule, placing added pressure on the hosts to deliver a controlled and effective performance.

Compounding Safi’s challenge is the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Hamza Akbi Hamiani, who is suspended following his red card in the first leg.

Despite the setback, Errahouli’s message reflects a squad fully aware of the stakes and ready to embrace the challenge, as Olympic Safi look to turn home support into a decisive advantage and book a place in the final.