Cape Town City will not be going to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after a stunning last minute goal handed USM Alger a 1-0 win at the Stade du 8 Mai 1945 in Setif, and the Algerians progress 1-0 on aggregate
City and USM played to a goalless draw in the first leg in Cape Town, and the second leg proved to be a controversial encounter, as City saw a goal disallowed for off-side, and what looked a clear penalty denied, before losing to a last-minute long-distance stunner.
USM are an eight-time champion of the Algerian league, and were CAF Champions League runners-up in 2015, where they lost to TP Mazembe.
It was City who had the better early chances as they looked to continue from the first leg, where they had dominated possession against the Algerians. City was seeing more of the ball and Eric Tinkler’s team didn’t seem intimidated by USM fans who sang throughout the game.
Marc Van Heerden had a good chance at the far post in the 13th minute as he got to the end of a Thami Mkhize cross, but his shot was deflected behind. Two minutes later Thato Mokeke blocked a chance from Abderrahmane Meziane at the other end.
Van Heerden sent in a cross in the 21st minute to Khanyisa Mayo, but the Bafana Bafana striker wasn’t able to get his header on target.
Mayo went close in the 28th minute, turning and shooting from just outside the area, and while his shot had the beating of Oussama Benbot, it also went wide of the post.
Mdu Mdantsane’s deflected effort in the 32nd minute was just wide too, as City enjoyed a good period, but they almost caught on the counter a minute later, but Darren Keet pulled off a great save to deny Abdelfetah Belkacemi. Wayde Lekay shot over in the 34th minute.
As the first half drew to a close USM started to get chances, and Keet had to make another good save in the 42nd minute.
It was the Algerians who started the second half stronger, but good defending from Taariq Fielies and Keanu Cupido forced Meziane to try from range in the 50th minute, and he shot wide. Zineddine Belaid’s header three minutes later was always going over.
City began to see more of the ball but weren’t making inroads into the final third. They did have the ball in the back of the net in the 69th minute, but it was ruled out for off-sides, though replays suggest Lekay was just onside in the build-up. Substitute Taahir Goedeman’s shot two minutes later was on target but lacked power and Benbot saved easily.
It was end-to-end action, as both teams looked for the all-important goal, Keet getting down in the 77th minute to stop Belkacemi’s cross-come-shot, while
City should have had a penalty in the 80th minute after Mayo was brought down by Benbot, but the ref waved play on. The striker rounded the keeper, but was brought down by the USM shot-stopper, as he went to try and score.
And just when it looked like it would go to extra time, a long-range stunner from Islam Merili beat Keet to make it 1-0 in USM in the 90th minute.
The final whistle blew and City’s continental season came to an end.
Earlier in the day Marumo Gallants booked their place in the Group Stages, as they won 3-0 against Libya’s Al Ahli at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium to advance 3-1 on aggregate. Monde Mphambaniso, Celimpilo Ngema and Range Chivaviro scored the goals for Dan Malesela’s team.
