Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated USM Alger 2–1 on Sunday in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final, in a match heavily affected by torrential rain in Lubumbashi.
The home side opened the scoring in the 41st minute when Clement Pitroipa converted a penalty, sending goalkeeper Oussama Bencot the wrong way.
USM Alger responded shortly after halftime, with Ahmed Khaldi equalising from the penalty spot to score his second goal of the tournament.
However, Maniema Union regained the advantage in the 65th minute when captain Exaucia Moanda finished from close range following a free kick.
The second half was played under difficult conditions as heavy rainfall flooded parts of the pitch, making passing difficult and forcing players to rely on long clearances. Lightning over the stadium and eight minutes of added time added further drama to the closing stages.
Both sides also had goals ruled out for offside, while Khaldi came close to scoring again with a long-range effort that struck the post.
The return leg will take place on March 22 in Algiers, where the winner on aggregate will advance to the semi-finals to face Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca or Olympique Safi.
Source: Newstimehub
