CAF Confederation Cup: OC Safi vs USM Alger venue still undecided

As the CAF Confederation Cup group stage reaches its second round, uncertainty surrounds the fixture between Morocco’s Olympique Club de Safi and Algeria’s USM Alger.

While the Red and Blacks prepare to host San-Pedro on Sunday, November 23, the venue for their subsequent trip to Morocco remains unresolved, leaving both clubs and fans in suspense.

OC Safi, whose home ground is typically the El-Massira Stadium, cannot host the Algiers side there.

The stadium has been deemed non-compliant with CAF’s regulations for continental competitions, forcing the Moroccan club to seek an alternative location.

Two potential venues are currently under consideration: the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, shared by Wydad and Raja, and the recently renovated Bachir Stadium in El-Mohammadia, which has hosted several Moroccan clubs in continental matches in recent seasons.

For USM Alger, the uncertainty complicates preparations.

The coaching staff is eager to organise travel logistics and manage players’ physical condition in advance.

“We are focused on our first home game against San-Pedro, but knowing the venue for the Safi match is essential for planning. We hope OC Safi will make a decision soon,” a source close to the club said.

The choice of stadium will be crucial, as the match represents a pivotal moment in the group stage.

With both clubs vying for qualification, factors such as pitch familiarity, travel arrangements, and crowd support could play a decisive role.

Fans from both Morocco and Algeria are anxiously awaiting official confirmation, with social media abuzz with speculation about which stadium will ultimately host the fixture.

The decision will not only impact team preparations but also ticketing, security measures, and broadcast arrangements for supporters across the continent.

OC Safi’s need to relocate highlights the broader challenges clubs face in meeting CAF’s strict infrastructural and safety standards.

The organisation’s regulations are designed to ensure a uniform level of quality and security for all continental matches, yet they occasionally create logistical hurdles for domestic teams with limited stadium options.

As the fixture approaches, both clubs remain focused on their immediate objectives.

USM Alger will aim to secure points in their first home game against San-Pedro before turning attention to the Moroccan challenge, while OC Safi seeks to find a suitable venue that will provide the best possible conditions for a competitive match.

The decision is expected in the coming days, allowing all stakeholders to finalise plans ahead of what promises to be a key clash in Group C.