El Khatoui After USM Alger Match: "We Warmed Up 3 Times, With This Type of Referee in Africa We Won't Improve" - Elbotola
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El Khatoui After USM Alger Match: "We Warmed Up 3 Times, With This Type of Referee in Africa We Won't Improve"

El Khatoui After USM Alger Match: "We Warmed Up 3 Times, With This Type of Referee in Africa We Won't Improve"

T.E (Elbotola)
20 April 2026at09:16

Choukri El Khatoui, coach of Olympique Safi, spoke about his team's elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, confirming that the players were affected by the events that accompanied the match due to the fans of Algerian club USM Alger.

El Khatoui stated in press remarks: "There was a negative aspect that accompanied the match, as it was scheduled to be played at 8 PM, then it was moved to 9:30 PM, and we performed warm-ups three times."

He continued: "With this type of referee in Africa, we will not improve. Before the penalty kick, we had three to four scoring opportunities, but we conceded a goal and managed to equalize. However, it was not meant for us to score a second goal, and the ball punished us."

It is worth noting that the confrontation witnessed acts of vandalism before the starting whistle between Olympique Safi and USM Alger, due to the latter's fans who stormed the pitch of "El Massira" stadium, disrupting the match atmosphere.

What did Olympique Safi coach Choukri El Khatoui say after their CAF Confederation Cup elimination?

Choukri El Khatoui criticized the refereeing and fan disruptions following Olympique Safi's exit from the CAF Confederation Cup. He confirmed his players were significantly affected by the events, including multiple warm-ups and pitch invasions by USM Alger supporters.

How did the match events impact Olympique Safi's performance against USM Alger?

The match events, including a delayed start and pitch storming by USM Alger fans, negatively impacted Olympique Safi. Coach El Khatoui noted his team had several scoring opportunities before a penalty, but ultimately couldn't secure the crucial second goal needed.

Why did Choukri El Khatoui express concerns about the future of African football?

Choukri El Khatoui expressed concerns because he believes African football cannot improve with the current standard of refereeing witnessed during their match. He highlighted how disruptive fan behavior and poor officiating hinder fair play and player focus.
Olympique de Safi
USM Alger
CAF Confederation Cup

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