USM Alger vs Berkane Prediction: Hosts to hold advantage in this first leg

USM Alger and Berkane will square it off in the semi-final first-leg game of the CAF Confederation Cup at Stade du 5 Juillet. Ahead of this game, both teams are in fine form, and in this one, they will hope to show character. How will this one end?

USM Alger's second-leg win over Rivers United was good enough to see them book their spot in this game. In the first leg of that quarterfinal game, USM Alger lost to Rivers United on the road, a 1-0 encounter. However, USM Alger got two past their opponents in the second leg with Abdoulaye Kanou's double, which was good enough to give them the edge. However, USM Alger won eight of their last nine matches into this game, defeating the likes of ES Setif, CR Belouizdad, Rouisset, Supersport United, and Biskra in that run.

Berkane are off their seventh unbeaten run, and despite being on the road, this Moroccan-based side will look to keep that run intact. In their last game in this quarterfinal competition, Berkane defeated Abu Salim in a 3-2 encounter, after they held them to a goalless draw on the road. In other encounters in recent games, Berkane defeated Hassania Agadir, FUS Rabat, Maghreb Fez, and Olympique de Safi while they played to a goalless draw with Youssoufia Berrechid.

The two teams are in good form going into this game, and in this one, we can expect them to be at the top of their game. However, USM Alger come into this one as favorites, and there is no doubt that the result of this game will determine which side makes it to the finals. On the other hand, Berkane are on an unbeaten run, and it is tough to bet against them. In the meantime, this is a game where both sides will rely on defense, with both teams taking advantage of their turf.