Rivers United vs USM Alger Prediction & Betting Tips - Caf Confederation Cup

Prediction published on 29/03/2024, 09:00  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 31/03/2024 at 03:48 in Caf Confederation Cup Prediction

The CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinals get underway this weekend, and in one of the games, Rivers United will host USM Alger. Rivers United tied Dreams FC on 12 points in Group C but an inferior goal difference saw them finish second. That doesn’t matter much now; the game ahead of them is the most important. The Nigerian side has been shaky in recent times but warmed up for this with a 1-0 win over Heartland. Ukeme Williams’ second goal in as many matches was the difference between the two sides. He will hope to carry the same form to this crucial game. A win at home will give them the needed stepping stone ahead of the return leg in Algeria. With a 21-game unbeaten run at home, Rivers can afford to look at this game with needed optimism. They also won four straight games at home in the Confederations Cup. In those four wins, they kept three clean sheets.

USM Alger make this journey to Nigeria in high spirits having won each of their last five matches. That run includes a 2-1 home win over SuperSport United which enabled them clinch top spot in Group A with 13 points. In the run up to this game, USM Alger claimed a 1-0 win over US Biskra in the Algerian league. Ismail Belkacemi’s goal not only handed them a fifth straight win, USM Alger also registered a fourth straight clean sheet. They have 14 goals in the last five games and will really need this form in Nigeria. Two losses in their last three away matches, point to a weakness that the Algerians will want to address ahead of this game. It will also be key to remember that in their four group stage wins, only one came away from home. Against Rivers, they face a formidable side when playing at home. Having managed just two wins in 11 away matches in this competition will not do USM Alger a lot of favors.