CAF Confederation Cup: Lamine N’Diaye urges caution despite USM Alger’s narrow first-leg win over Zamalek

USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye has urged calm and focus despite his side’s narrow advantage over Zamalek SC in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup clash.

USM Alger defeated Zamalek 1-0 in the first leg on Saturday at the 5 July Olympic Stadium, with Ahmed Khaldi scoring the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in added time, giving the Algerian side an important advantage ahead of the second leg in Egypt.

Speaking after the match, the Senegalese tactician stressed that results matter more than performance at this stage of the competition, while also acknowledging the need for technical improvements ahead of the return fixture.

“The most important thing when playing finals is to win, whatever the performance. We must work to correct some technical aspects,” N’Diaye said during the press conference.

Despite securing a crucial win against one of Africa’s most experienced sides, N’Diaye warned against complacency, insisting that the tie remains wide open.

“We achieved an important victory against a big team with continental experience, but the title has not been decided yet,” he added.

The result gives USM Alger a slender advantage heading into the second leg, but Zamalek remain firmly in contention as both clubs continue their push for continental silverware.

The second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final is scheduled to take place in Cairo on 16 May, with a place in the final firmly on the line.