A convincing 30 win against AFAD Plateau in Algiers sealed a 31 aggregate victory for the Algerian champions, with Che once again marshalling the backline in commanding fashion.
The versatile defender was at the heart of the multiple-time Algerian champions defence as they overturned a first-leg deficit to progress in style showcasing the organisation and leadership that have become his trademarks.
In doing so, the 26-year-old achieved a remarkable personal milestone, becoming the first Cameroonian player to qualify for the group stage of CAF Interclub competitions Champions League and Confederation Cup for five consecutive seasons.
Che, who has featured as a left-back,right-back, midfielder, and centre-back during his continental campaigns, made his first group-stage appearance in 2021.
Interestingly, his Cotonsport debut came in the preliminary rounds of that same season against Orapa United of Botswana, where he played as a left-back. Cotonsport went on to qualify for the group stage of the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup, eventually reaching the semi-finals.
The following season, Cotonsport entered the CAF Champions League group stage, competing against Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Al Hilal Omdurman. Ches standout performances throughout that campaign earned him a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
At Simba, the Cameroonian defender maintained his consistency reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League in his first campaign, before finishing runners-up in the CAF Confederation Cup the following year.
Che Malones consistency in African club football is unmatched among his compatriots. Before joining USM Alger last season, he had already featured prominently for Cotonsport of Garoua, guiding the Cameroonian outfit to multiple group-stage campaigns between 2020 and 2023. His move to Algeria has only extended that impressive run.
Beyond the statistics, his presence has been instrumental in stabilising USM Algers defensive structure. Calm under pressure and adept at reading the game, Che Malone continues to prove himself as one of the most reliable defenders from Central Africa currently active on the continent.
As USM Alger prepare for another demanding group campaign, Cameroonian fans will once again have reason to follow closely their own Che Malone Fondoh Junior is quietly carving out a legacy of consistency and excellence across Africas grandest club stages.
The Cameroon international who featured for his country during CHAN 2022 in Algeria will be one of the attraction of the group stages.
Notably, players such as Kingue Njoh Mpondo, Lukong Bongaman, Frank Kom, Feutmba Romeo, Yaya Banana, and Simon Omossola have also enjoyed successive seasons in CAF competitions but none have managed five consecutive group-stage qualifications as Che who joined USM a few months back.