Algerian side USM Alger managed to hold hosts ASEC Mimosas to a 0-0 draw in the first-leg of the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup in Bouake on Wednesday.
The game was closely contested, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the game played in the Ivorian town.
USM Alger started brightly, with Orebonye delivering two dangerous crosses that ASEC’s Mahious failed to deal with. However, ASEC gradually found their feet and began to assert themselves on the game.
Despite their dominance, ASEC were unable to break down a resolute USM Alger defense. Their best chance came in the 31st minute when Sankara Karamoko scored, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Karamoko had another opportunity to score ten minutes later, but his shot hit the post. ASEC goalkeeper Charles Folly and defender Zouzou Carlos also made crucial interventions to keep USM Alger at bay in the first half.
The second half was a similarly tight affair, with neither team able to create many clear-cut chances. ASEC’s Yao Attohoula and Pokou N’Guessan had half-chances, while USM Alger’s Orebonye and Mahious threatened on the counter-attack.
ASEC came closest to scoring in the 65th minute when Zouzou Carlos’s shot was saved by USM Alger goalkeeper Benbot.
USM Alger had a chance to snatch victory in the dying moments of the game, but Arthur Bada and his teammates were unable to find the back of the net.
The result means that the tie is finely poised heading into the second leg, which takes place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
The winner will advance to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup where they will face the winner of the other semi-final tie between Young Africans of Tanzania and Marumo Gallants of South Africa.
