Algeria's USMA can clinch a semi-final spot this weekend

USMA had been written off after they lost their two Group B matches but they have fought back to win subsequent matches against three-time champions Canon Yaounde of Cameroon.

USMA get surprise win

A victory over Angolan visitors AS Aviacao in Algiers this weekend will assure USMA of a place in the knockout stages and at least $450,000 in prize money.

Aviacao, who beat USMA 1-0 at home in the opening round, have proved poor travellers, losing 2-1 to Canon and 1-0 to Esperance.

Group leaders Esperance have already qualified for the semi-finals and should maintain their unbeaten record away to Canon, who stage home games at the Reunification Stadium in Douala because their Yaounde ground is being renovated.

Esperance needed a controversial penalty to secure a 2-1 home win over Canon in their first game but the chances of another spectacle are slim, given the poor state of the Douala pitch.

Ismailia battle Asec

Asec have struggled in this year's competition

Egypt's Ismailia need a home win over struggling Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast to advance from Group A and leaders Enyimba of Nigeria will join them if they avoid defeat against Simba in Dar-es-Salaam.

Despite an indifferent display when edging out Simba 2-1 two weeks ago, Ismailia should collect maximum points against bottom-of-the-table Asec, who have lost three consecutive ties.

Bidding to become the third Egyptian team after Al-Ahly and Zamalek to collect the most prestigious club prize in African football, Ismailia boast prolific scorers in Mali-born Dramane Traore and Mohamed Abougreisha.