CAF Confederation Cup final: Khaldi’s late penalty hands USM Alger first-leg edge over Zamalek

The 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers erupted in a deafening roar as USM Alger secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.

In a match defined by tactical rigidity and high-stakes tension, it took until the very final moments for the deadlock to be broken.

Ahmed Khaldi emerged as the hero for the Algerian side, converting a high-pressure penalty in the 98th minute to give Alger a slim but vital advantage heading into the return leg in Cairo.

The game began with both sides exhibiting the cautiousness expected of a major continental final.

USM Alger, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, attempted to dictate the tempo early on, but Zamalek’s defensive organization proved difficult to penetrate.

The first half was characterized more by physical battles in the midfield than clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Discipline became a primary concern for the hosts as Saâdi Radouani and Haithem Loucif both received yellow cards before the interval, reflecting the intensity of the Algerian side’s efforts to disrupt Zamalek’s rhythm.

Despite the pressure, the teams headed into the locker rooms with the scoreboard remains untouched at 0-0.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with Zamalek looking increasingly comfortable playing for a draw to take back to Egypt.

However, as the clock ticked deep into stoppage time, the game’s defining moment arrived. A late surge into the box by USM Alger forced a lapse in the Zamalek defense, resulting in the referee pointing to the penalty spot.

Zamalek scored after the penalty incident but VAR intervened to award a penalty to the hosts.

Ahmed Khaldi stepped up under immense pressure and clinicaly dispatched the ball into the back of the net, sealing a 1-0 win in the 95th minute.

This result ensures that USM Alger maintains their historical unbeaten record against the White Knights, following their successful encounters in the 2017 CAF Champions League.

While the Algiers outfit will celebrate this narrow lead, the tie remains on a knife-edge. The narrow margin means Zamalek is far from out of the competition as they prepare to host the second leg at the Cairo International Stadium on May 16.

For USM Alger, the goal by Khaldi provides a massive psychological boost, but they will need to withstand an immense atmospheric challenge in Cairo to retain their crown.