USM Alger manager Marcos Paqueta has warned of a challenging second leg in the Confederation Cup quarter-final against CS Constantine, despite carrying a slender advantage following a 1-1 draw in the first encounter.
The Algerian side will host the return fixture on Wednesday at the July 5 Olympic Stadium in Algiers, aiming to book their place in the semi-finals.
Paqueta, however, remains cautious, urging his players to remain focused and not rely on their away goal.
“We have a big month ahead of us. Not only this African Confederation Cup quarter-final match against CSC, but we also have a tough match next week against USMH in the Algerian Cup, and we also have the league matches left,” Paqueta said during a pre-match press conference. “To say that we have to be ready, and this is definitely not the time to give up.”
Despite acknowledging the quality of the opposition, the Brazilian coach expressed confidence in the mentality and preparation of his squad.
“Tomorrow will be a very tough match against a good Constantine team. We will therefore be playing against a good team, but my players are also hungry and want to go as far as possible in this competition. They have the desire and the experience to achieve this goal,” he added.
The first leg, held in Constantine, ended in a 1-1 draw – a result that puts USMA in a slightly favourable position thanks to the away goal rule. But Paqueta has made it clear that the job is far from done.
“Certainly, we had achieved a good result at their place, but I told my players to forget this match, because qualification will be decided during this second round scheduled for tomorrow at the July 5, 1962 stadium in front of our fans,” he stressed.
USM Alger, one of Algeria’s most storied clubs, will rely heavily on their home support and experience to navigate what is expected to be a tightly contested affair.
With additional domestic fixtures on the horizon, including a crucial Algerian Cup clash and ongoing league commitments, the next few weeks represent a critical stretch for Paqueta’s men.
Kick-off for the decisive second leg is set for 7 p.m. GMT, with a place in the semi-finals of Africa’s second-tier club competition at stake.
