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CAF Confederation Cup, defending champion kept their hopes of retaining the title alive by securing the semi-final ticket of the competition after defeating Rivers United 2-1 on aggregate.
The Algerian side lost the first leg 1-0 in Uyo last weekend but were able to score a goal each in both halves to send the only surviving Nigerian side in CAF competition this season packing.
Malian striker, Abdullah Kanou, scored both goals for USM Alger that secured the valuable victory that for his team, allowing them to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive time.
USM Alger started the match strongly, aiming to open the scoring, but they were unable to do so until the 37th minute when Kanou opened the scoring from close range.
The second half saw a significant increase in USM Alger’s attacking movements, hoping to extend their lead, but the play became more centralized in the midfield.
Rivers United came close to equalizing, but Andy Ogbai’s header hit the crossbar of the Algerian goalkeeper, Osama Ben Boute, in the 72nd minute.
Kanou struck again in the 74th minute, securing the second goal that guaranteed the defending champions’ qualification to the semi-finals.
USM Alger will face Moroccan club Berkane in the semi-finals later on this month.