USM Alger qualify for CAF Confederation Cup group stage after The Panthers FC withdrawal

Algerian side USM Alger have qualified for the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup after Equatorial Guinea’s The Panthers FC withdrew from their second preliminary-round tie because of financial difficulties.

The Panthers announced their decision after struggling to meet the costs associated with competing in Africa’s second-tier club competition, citing the absence of a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved stadium in their home country as a major challenge.

The club said the situation forced them to spend heavily on travel, accommodation, stadium rental and match organisation during the opening round of the competition.

Their withdrawal means USM Alger will progress to the group stage without playing their scheduled second preliminary-round tie.

The Panthers explained that their financial problems began during the first preliminary round, when they faced Benin’s ASPAC FC.

Unable to host the first leg at home, the Equatorial Guinean club travelled to Cameroon to stage the match. They said they had to cover flights and accommodation for their players, as well as stadium rental and expenses associated with match officials.

The financial pressure continued ahead of the return leg, with the team travelling to Lomé, Togo, where they spent a week preparing for the encounter. The club said it was responsible for the squad’s flights, accommodation and meals during their stay.

After those trips, The Panthers said their financial resources had been exhausted, leaving them with limited options for continuing their continental campaign.

The club subsequently attempted to secure approval for Mongomo Stadium in Equatorial Guinea to host the first leg against USM Alger.

However, according to the Panthers, CAF was unable to carry out the requested inspection, preventing the venue from being approved in time for the match.

The club then obtained approval to use a stadium in Douala, Cameroon, but said the cost of staging the fixture there proved too expensive.

In an effort to remain in the competition, The Panthers explored another alternative by agreeing to surrender home advantage and play both legs of the tie in Algeria.

The arrangement was intended to reduce their expenses by avoiding stadium rental costs in Cameroon and the need to organise separate trips between Cameroon and Algeria.

Despite those efforts, the club said the financial burden had become unbearable, leaving them with no choice but to withdraw from the competition.

The decision highlights the financial and logistical difficulties that clubs from countries without CAF-approved stadiums can face when participating in continental competitions.

For The Panthers, the lack of a suitable home venue meant that even their opening-round fixtures required substantial spending on international travel and match arrangements.

Their withdrawal brings an early end to their 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup campaign, while USM Alger move directly into the group stage without having to contest the second preliminary round.

The development also underlines the importance of suitable football infrastructure and financial resources for clubs seeking to compete consistently at continental level.