El Khatoui Ahead of USM Alger Clash: "Tomorrow We Have 90 Minutes to Win and Reach the Final"

T.E (Elbotola)

18 April 2026at13:12

Choukri El Khatoui, coach of Olympique Safi, expressed his team's readiness and the importance of mental focus ahead of their clash against Algeria's USM Alger in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final. He affirmed that the team will approach the match with a different mindset to secure qualification for the final.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, El Khatoui stated: "Tomorrow, we will play with the mentality that we haven't played the first leg. We have an hour and a half in which we must win to be in the final."

He added: "Playing in front of our fans and on our home ground gives us great motivation, and all conditions are favorable."

The Olympique Safi coach continued: "We must be ready for the occasion, and God willing, we will be 100% prepared to achieve qualification."

The match will take place tomorrow, Sunday, at 8:00 PM (GMT+1), at the Stade El Massira in Safi. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.

Q&A

What is Choukri El Khatoui's message ahead of the USM Alger match?

Choukri El Khatoui's message emphasizes Olympique Safi's readiness and the critical need for mental focus in their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final second leg. He stated the team must play with a winning mentality for 90 minutes to reach the final.

How does Olympique Safi plan to approach the second leg against USM Alger?

Olympique Safi plans to approach the second leg with a different mindset, as if the first leg never happened. Coach El Khatoui believes playing at home in front of their fans provides significant motivation to secure qualification for the final.

What are the implications for Olympique Safi if they win this match?

If Olympique Safi wins this match, they will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup final. The team's coach expressed confidence in their preparation, stating they aim to be 100% ready to achieve this crucial qualification.

USM Alger

Olympique de Safi

CAF Confederation Cup