Malone’s USM Alger in CAF Confederation Cup final.

This was during a highly-disputed return leg semi-final clash of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday April 19.

The clash was delayed by more than an hour due to crowd disturbances but eventually got underway and saw both teams produce an intense contest that reflected the high stakes of a place in the final.

Despite the pressure from the home side and their fans, Malone and his teammates remained calm. 

They struck at a pivotal moment just before half-time when Ahmed Khaldi stepped up confidently to convert from the penalty spot to take control of the tie.

Olympique Safi dominated large spells and created more opportunities, but struggled to turn their attacking intent into goals.

Despite trailing, the Moroccan side continued to press after the break and were eventually rewarded in the 75th minute.

Substitute Moussa Koné rose highest inside the penalty area to head home a well-delivered cross, levelling the match and reigniting hopes of a comeback.

However, Safi were unable to find the second goal they desperately needed against a disciplined USM Alger defence marshalled by Malone, Glody Likonza, Hocine Dehiri and Saadi Redouani. 

The Algerian side remained compact and organised in the closing stages, absorbing pressure and seeing out the result to secure their place in the final with a vital away goal. 

For USM Alger, the result marks a significant milestone. They have now reached the Confederation Cup final for the second time in their history. They also became the first Algerian club to achieve this feat twice, having previously lifted the trophy in the 2022/2023 season.

It was the club’s first major continental trophy as they went on to win the CAF Super Cup the same year. Before that they were runner-up in the CAF Champions League in 2015. 

Malone’s USM Alger will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated final against Zamalek of Egypt, who progressed after overcoming CR Belouizdad.

The two-legged final will see the first match played in Algeria next month, with the decisive return leg scheduled for a week later in Cairo.

It should be recalled that Che Malone joined USM Alger on December 9, 2025. The Cameroonian defender officially signed a two-year contract with the Algerian top tier side.

He is set to feature in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup for the second time in his career. He was previously on the books of Simba Sports Club of Tanzania and came close to winning the CAF Confederation but Simba SC lost 3-1 on aggregate to RS Berkane of Morocco in the final.

The defeat extended Malone’s wait for his first major continental title. The former Union Sportive of Douala defender won two MTN Elite One titles during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3767 of Tuesday April 21, 2026