The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved a request from USM Alger and the Fédération algérienne de football to hold both legs of their second preliminary round tie against Panthers FC at the 5-Juillet Stadium in Algiers. The agreement shifts the venue from the original site in Douala, Cameroun. Regarding the change, a USMA communiqué stated: "La rencontre a ainsi été délocalisée du stade de Douala, au Cameroun, vers le stade olympique du 5-Juillet, à la suite de la proposition formulée par la direction de l’USM Alger d’accueillir le club guinéen à l’aller comme au retour en Algérie, avec la présence des supporters lors des deux matches." This arrangement ensures that both matches in the competition take place in Algeria. The CAF approved the request from USM Alger and the Algerian Football Federation to host both legs of the second preliminary round against Panthers FC at the 5-Juillet Stadium in Algiers specifically to facilitate the logistical requirements of the two clubs.
Match Schedule and Logistics
The first leg of the tie between USM Alger and Panthers FC is set for Tuesday, 20 October, at 20:00. The first leg match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20 at 20:00. Officials scheduled the second leg for Sunday, 25 October, also at 20:00. The second leg match is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at 20:00. Both matches will occur at the 5-Juillet Stadium in Algiers.
Panthers FC reached this stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating ASPAC FC in the preliminary round. Panthers FC qualified for the second round by eliminating ASPAC FC, losing 3-1 at home and winning 4-2 in Benin. Panthers FC lost the first leg 3-1 at home but secured a 4-2 victory in Bénin to advance.
CR Belouizdad is also competing in the CAF Confederation Cup and faces AS Douanes. CR Belouizdad will play AS Douanes in the CAF Confederation Cup, with the first leg in Nouakchott on Saturday, October 17 at 18:00 and the second leg in Algiers on Saturday, October 24 at 20:00. The first leg of this fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 17 October, at 18:00 in Nouakchott, Mauritanie. The second leg will take place in Algiers on Saturday, 24 October, at 20:00. This match schedule reflects the broader participation of Algerian clubs in the tournament as they navigate the knockout stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. Both USM Alger and CR Belouizdad are working to manage their respective travel and venue logistics to ensure compliance with tournament regulations set by the Confederation of African Football for these upcoming rounds.