USM Alger defender Mustapha Bouchina reveals ambition to retain title

• USM Alger defender Mustapha Bouchina speaks exclusively to CAFonline.com
• Bouchina explains why the first leg match of the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup against RS Berkane is a crucial encounter
• The Algerian player highlights USM Alger ambition to defend their continental title

USM Alger defender Mustapha Bouchina has opened up to CAFonline.com about their ambitions in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup in an exclusive interview. 

The talented player also spoke about their aspirations for the remaining matches of the competition including their upcoming clash with Moroccan side RS Berkane.

Below is the full interview:

CAFonline.com: The first leg match of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals against RS Berkane is approaching. How are you preparing for this encounter?

Mustapha Bouchina: Thank God, the players are aware of the responsibility awaiting them during the semi-final match against RS Berkane in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, which we all know will not be an easy match. It will be as tough as the rest of the matches, as we have never encountered an easy match in our journey. Hopefully, we will achieve a positive result in our favour during the first leg match at the 5th of July Stadium in Algiers.

CAFonline.com: You have gained significant experience in continental competition, and you will face an opponent that also have experience in this competition, having won the title twice before you. How do you view this match?

Mustapha Bouchina:  We will defend our title which we won last season. Just like our competitors, RS Berkane, have their strength and they also have weaknesses - and we will try to exploit them. We hope the match will be a top match between the two teams. Our current results are positive, and we seek to continue on this path.

CAFonline.com: As the defending champions and reaching the semi-finals on your way to defending your title, can it be said that there will be pressure on you compared to your opponents?

Mustapha Bouchina:  The match will not have significant pressure on us, but it will be a crucial match. Reaching the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after a year of winning the title is not easy. Our players know that a great responsibility rests on their shoulders against RS Berkane and they are all steadfast and aware that the match will not be easy. That's why we worked hard to ensure that the result of the first leg match at our home ground is in our favour.

CAFonline.com: In your opinion, what are the keys to winning this match?

Mustapha Bouchina: The match will undoubtedly be tough, and we will try to make things easier for ourselves in the first leg match at our home ground. It is well known that the team that achieves positive results is due to the work that has been have done and the experience of the players. We will continue to work hard to maintain the same dynamic of positive results.

CAFonline.com: You were one of the key players of USMA Alger that won the double last season, and you experienced the wonderful celebrations. Are you experiencing the same atmosphere in the current edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, or is there a change?

Mustapha Bouchina: It is true that I am one of the people who experienced the joy of USM Algers' victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup last season, and now we have a new challenge, which is defending our title. There are new players who may be experiencing continental ambiance for the first time, and they are eager to make history for the club and win the title for the second consecutive time.

CAFonline.com: A word to the USM Alger fans?

Mustapha Bouchina: We ask our fans to continue supporting us in the stands throughout the match, and we are honoured by their presence because no one can deny that the fans are our 12th player.