CAF Confederation Cup Chaos: Algerian Fans Trigger Pitch Invasion as Safi Semi-final Delayed

The CAF Confederation Cup semi-final second leg between Olympique de Safi and USM Alger descended into chaos on Sunday evening after a pitch invasion by visiting supporters forced a significant delay to kick-off at the Al Massira Stadium.

Originally scheduled for 8:00 p.m., the decisive encounter eventually began at 9:20 p.m., following a 1-hour and 20-minute disruption caused by crowd trouble attributed to sections of the Algerian supporters.

Disorder Before Kick-off

Tensions escalated just minutes before kick-off when a large number of fans surged onto the pitch, overwhelming security personnel and creating scenes of confusion inside the stadium.

A sea of red as Algerian supporters invade the pitch

Eyewitnesses reported that the disorder began in the section occupied by visiting supporters, with acts of hooliganism including the throwing of chairs and attacks directed at local fans and members of the press.

The situation quickly deteriorated, forcing match officials and players from both teams to abandon the field as safety concerns took precedence.

Teams React as Calm Is Restored

While Olympique de Safi players maintained their warm-up routines amid the uncertainty, their Algerian counterparts retreated to the dressing room and were slow to return to the pitch even after order was gradually restored.

Officials from the Confederation of African Football intervened, with the match security commissioner ultimately confirming the revised kick-off time.

USM Alger players only re-emerged close to 9:00 p.m., raising questions among observers about the visitors’ approach in the aftermath of the disturbances.

A Night Meant for History Disrupted

For Olympique de Safi, the fixture represented one of the most significant matches in the club’s history, marking a remarkable run in their debut continental campaign.

However, the focus shifted from football to security management, as organisers battled to regain control of the stadium and ensure conditions were safe for play.

Witnesses described the incident as unprecedented at the venue, with the scale of the pitch invasion disrupting pre-match preparations and creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.

CAF Set to Act

The Confederation of African Football is expected to open a formal review into the incidents, with disciplinary measures likely to follow.

Sunday’s events have reignited concerns about crowd control and supporter behaviour in high-stakes continental fixtures, echoing previous disturbances seen in major African competitions.

For Moroccan football authorities and fans alike, the hope is that firm action will be taken to prevent a recurrence of such scenes and to protect the integrity of the game.

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