CAF Cup: USM Alger in danger, Zamalek and Dreams FC to secure qualification

On the eve of the second leg of the CAF Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, April 07, a number of teams - not the least of them - are in danger of missing out. Defending champions USM Alger have no option but to beat Rivers United. Zamalek and Dreams FC must confirm their lead, while RS Berkane and Abu Salem have everything to play for.

The last two champions must react

Will the defending champions be eliminated in the quarter-finals of the CAF Cup? The possibility exists. Surprised by an Augustine Okejepha goal, USM Alger lost the first round to Nigeria's Rivers United (0-1). A real sensation given that the Nigerian club only played its first African campaign in 2017. Opposite them, USM is a giant accustomed to continental jousts. The return leg, this Sunday in Algeria, promises to be hotly contested in front of an Algerian public eager to carry their side into the semi-finals.

For their part, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane had to be content with a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Libya's Abu Salem. At home on Sunday, the Moroccans must make up the difference to continue their adventure. The aim, of course, is to win another CAF Cup, following on from the one they won in 2022.

Zamalek and Dreams FC, managing the lead

In their second leg at home, Zamalek have plenty to look forward to against another Egyptian club, Modern Future FC. Given their status (5 Champions Leagues, 1 CAF Cup), the White Knights seemed to have done the hard work in the first leg, winning 2-1 in the dying moments (^88th) after trailing 0-1 from the ^35th minute.

It's a similar story for Ghana's Dreams FC.The club pulled off a superb operation with a 2-1 victory over Stade Malien in the first leg. Having only existed since 2009, Dreams FC are certainly newcomers to the continental stage and could be in line for their first major African adventure. However, they will need to be solid against Stade Malien, in search of their glorious past.