USM Alger kicked off their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign with a 2-0 victory against Al Hilal Benghazi of Libya on Sunday.
Despite playing away from home, the Libyans made the champions work hard for their victory as they kept them at bay for most parts of the encounter. It took 54 minutes for the Algerians to eventually get the opener with Islam Merili being on target before Tumisang Orebonye put the final nail in the coffin in the referee’s additional time to give his side the victory.
In another fixture up north, two-time champions (2020, 2022), RS Berkane played host to tournament debutants, Sekhukhune United of South Africa. The former champions wasted no time in getting the lead as Adil Tahif opened the scoring in the 14th minute before a late strike towards the closing stages of the game by Youssef El Fahli secured maximum points for the hosts.