Nacer Zekri backs USM Alger to target CAF Champions League after Super Cup triumph

Nacer Zekri believes USM Alger fully deserved their African Super Cup victory over Mamelodi Sundowns and has urged the club to set its sights on the CAF Champions League.

USM Alger secured the trophy on South African soil against a Mamelodi Sundowns side that had recently been eliminated from the CAF Champions League. Zekri, a former player and former international, said the Algerian club’s performance demonstrated a clear superiority over their opponents.

Speaking to Maghreb-Foot, Zekri praised the way USM Alger controlled the match and highlighted the experience within the squad. He considers that experience a significant advantage for a team competing in major continental fixtures.

For Zekri, the result was the product of a sustained performance rather than good fortune. He believes USM Alger managed the contest effectively and showed the maturity required to succeed against experienced opposition.

Praise for Lamine N’Diaye’s tactical decisions

Zekri also credited head coach Lamine N’Diaye for his contribution to the win. The Senegalese manager, he said, succeeded in putting his own stamp on the team and made a tactical adjustment that influenced the course of the game.

Particular attention was given to the decision to withdraw Farid Boulaya, whose physical condition was not yet considered to be at its best. Zekri believes the change allowed USM Alger to gain greater control of the match after the interval.

That increased control eventually led to a third goal, scored by Ahmed Khaldi, whose performance also impressed the former USM Alger player.

Ahmed Khaldi backed for Algeria opportunity

Zekri believes Khaldi’s display in such an important match should earn him consideration for a first opportunity with the Algeria senior national team.

The former international was particularly impressed by the forward’s effectiveness in major matches. He considers Khaldi a player who has shown he can influence high-profile occasions and deserves to be assessed for the senior side.

Champions League now the priority

Despite celebrating the Super Cup success, Zekri believes USM Alger should now pursue an even bigger objective: the CAF Champions League.

The club have already won the CAF Confederation Cup twice and have now added the African Super Cup to their honours. Zekri’s view is that the Champions League should become the next major target for Soustara.

He remains confident that USM Alger can compete for that ambition. His optimism is based on the backing of Serport, the quality of the current squad and the work being carried out by Lamine N’Diaye.