Rabat – The CAF Confederation Cup semi‑final second leg between Olympique Safi and USM Alger was thrown into disarray on Sunday evening after a mass pitch invasion forced officials to delay the start of the match.
The game was scheduled to kick off at Stade El Massira in Safi, but scenes of confusion unfolded when a large number of supporters stormed onto the field before the opening whistle.
Players from both sides, along with the refereeing crew, were caught off guard by the sudden breach of security.
The incident created an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. USM Alger’s squad quickly left the pitch, followed by the match officials, as conditions were deemed unsafe for play.
With the ground overrun by fans and no clear order restored, the referee had no choice but to postpone the start.
Witnesses described the situation as unprecedented for the venue. The invasion disrupted preparations and left organizers scrambling to regain control.
Security personnel struggled to clear the field, while players waited anxiously in the dressing rooms for further instructions.
Olympique Safi had been preparing for one of the club’s most important nights, hosting the Algerian side in a decisive semi‑final clash.
Instead, the focus shifted to crowd management and restoring calm.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review the incident, with potential disciplinary measures on the table.