USM Alger qualify for CAF Confederation Cup group stage

USM Alger have received a significant boost in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign as their opponents, The Panthers, have officially withdrawn from the competition due to the financial crisis they are facing.

The Guinean club explained in an official statement that difficult financial circumstances led it to make the decision to withdraw, making USM Alger a candidate to qualify directly for the group stage, without having to play the two matches of the second preliminary round.

The two teams were scheduled to meet home and away at the 5 July Stadium, after the Confederation of African Football approved the request from USM Alger's management to hold both matches at the same venue.

USM Alger is expected to secure their place in the group stage, becoming the first team to qualify for this stage in the current edition of the competition.