The encounter was a classic North African derby, defined by defensive discipline and high-stakes tension. For USM Alger, the result feels like a missed opportunity to secure a lead, while Olympic Safi will return home confident after securing what could prove to be a vital clean sheet on the road.
VAR Drama and Disallowed Goals
USM Alger dominated much of the possession and intensity, especially in a frantic second half. The Algerian giants thought they had finally broken the deadlock on two separate occasions, only to be denied by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
In the 54th minute, Zakaria Draoui found the back of the net, sparking celebrations in the stands that were quickly cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out. The drama intensified in the 78th minute when Hussein Dehiri converted from close range, but the goal was once again overturned for offside. These narrow margins proved to be the difference between a victory and a stalemate for the hosts.
Defensive Heroics and a Late Red Card
Olympic Safi, known as the "Messfiouis," executed a compact defensive masterclass to stifle the USMA attack. Their resolve was put to the ultimate test in the 80th minute when goalkeeper Hamza Hamiani was sent off following a video review for a professional foul outside the area.
Despite being reduced to ten men for the final ten minutes plus stoppage time, the Moroccan side refused to buckle. The replacement keeper and the defensive line showed immense grit to absorb the mounting pressure from USM Alger, ensuring the match ended without a breakthrough for either side.
Everything to Play for in the Second Leg
The 0-0 result sets up a winner-takes-all scenario for the second leg, scheduled for April 19, 2026, at the Olympic Safi Stadium. Under the current CAF regulations, the lack of an away goal for Olympic Safi means that any scoring draw in Morocco would favor USM Alger, while a win for either side would secure a spot in the final.
With a hostile home crowd expected in Safi and the potential return of key players, the Moroccan side will feel they have the edge. However, USM Alger’s experience in high-pressure continental knockout games means they remain a formidable threat on the counter-attack.
The winner of this tie will face either Zamalek SC or CR Belouizdad in the grand finale, as the race for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup trophy enters its final decisive stage.