Maniema Union claim narrow victory over USM Alger in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final
DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union secured an important first-leg advantage in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals after defeating Algeria’s USM Alger 2–1 in a closely contested encounter.
The match, played at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, saw the Congolese side capitalise on key moments to claim victory and put themselves in a strong position ahead of the decisive return leg.
Despite the setback, USM Alger remain firmly in contention as they prepare to host the second leg on 22 March, where they will attempt to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the semi-finals of the continental competition.
Maniema strike first
The opening half was tightly contested, with both teams showing caution as they attempted to gain control of the game.
Maniema Union gradually began to impose themselves and were rewarded shortly before the interval when Clément Pitroipa broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.
The experienced attacker converted a penalty for the home side, finishing calmly to give Maniema Union a valuable lead heading into the break.
The goal lifted the Congolese side and put pressure on the Algerian visitors, who were forced to chase the game in the second half.
USM Alger respond after the break
USM Alger returned from the interval with renewed determination and managed to restore parity early in the second half.
Their equaliser arrived in the 53rd minute when Ahmed Khaldi found the back of the net to bring the Algerian club back into the contest.
The goal injected new life into the match, with both teams pushing forward in search of another breakthrough.
Decisive moment
Maniema Union regained the advantage just over ten minutes later when Exaucia Moanda struck in the 65th minute.
His goal proved decisive as the hosts held firm during the closing stages of the match to secure a narrow but valuable victory.
The Congolese side managed the remainder of the game with discipline, limiting USM Alger’s attacking opportunities while protecting their lead.
All to play for in the second leg
Although Maniema Union take a slender advantage into the return fixture, the tie remains finely balanced.
USM Alger will have the opportunity to turn the contest around when they host the second leg on Sunday, 22 March, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 Cairo time.
With a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup at stake, both clubs will now prepare for a decisive encounter that promises another intense chapter in this quarter-final battle.