USM Alger will begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against The Panthers on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, with both legs of their second preliminary-round tie set to take place in Algeria.
The first meeting will be played at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time. That is 21:00 in France. BeIN Sports Mena is expected to broadcast the match.
The return fixture will also be held at the same stadium on Sunday, 25 October, starting at 20:00 Algerian time.
The unusual arrangement gives USM Alger a significant advantage, as they will avoid travelling to Central Africa and play both matches in front of their home supporters.
The first leg was originally due to be staged in Douala, in neighbouring Cameroon. However, the Confederation of African Football approved a joint request from USM Alger and the Algerian Football Federation to move both fixtures to the 5 July 1962 Stadium. No specific reason has been given for the change.
USM Alger enter the tie with considerably greater experience of continental competition. The Algerian club won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2023 and will be expected to overcome an Equatorial Guinean side with a less established record in African football.
The home side will nevertheless be wary of The Panthers, who can approach the tie without the same pressure and will be looking to upset the pre-match expectations.
For USM Alger, the objective is straightforward: make the most of two home fixtures to secure a place in the group stage and continue their pursuit of further success in the competition.
The Panthers and USM Alger meet on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers. Kick-off is at 20:00 Algerian time, or 21:00 in France, with BeIN Sports Mena expected to show the match.