Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo edged USM Alger of Algeria 2-1 on Sunday in a Caf Confederation Cup quarterfinal first leg that ended in barely playable conditions.
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Torrential rain from midway through the second half in the Congolese city of Lubumbashi meant passing became virtually impossible, leaving players with no option but to hoof the ball.
First-leg advantage for AS Maniema Union over USM Alger. ✅#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/JBN9HKV359
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 15, 2026
In the closing minutes, lightning lit the sky over the artificial pitch, adding to the discomfort of the teams.
Adding to the misery of the teams was eight minutes of added time before the final whistle sounded and the players speedily left the pitch.
Burkinabe Clement Pitroipa put Maniema ahead on 41 minutes by sending goalkeeper Oussama Bencot the wrong way from the penalty spot.
USM levelled eight minutes into the second half from another spot kick, which Ahmed Khaldi converted for his second goal of the African campaign.
Maniema captain Exaucia Moanda claimed the winning goal on 65 minutes, poking the ball into the net from close range after a free kick.
Both teams had a goal disallowed for offside, and Khaldi saw an audacious shot from near the touchline rebound off the post.
USM won the African equivalent of the Uefa Europa League in 2023 while Maniema have reached the knockout phase for the first time after four failed attempts.
The second leg is set for March 22 in Algiers and the overall winners will face a Moroccan club, Wydad Casablanca or Olympique Safi, in the semifinals during April.