CAF Confederation Cup: Lamine N’Diaye urges focus as USM Alger eye glory against Zamalek

USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye says his side must remain fully focused despite holding a narrow advantage ahead of Saturday’s CAF Confederation Cup final second leg against Zamalek SC at the Cairo International Stadium.

USM Alger carry a slender 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to Ahmed Khaldi’s dramatic late penalty in the first leg at the Stade du 5 Juillet, placing the Algerian side within touching distance of another continental crown.

Speaking ahead of the decisive clash in Cairo, N’Diaye stressed that results matter most in finals, while admitting there are still areas his team must improve.

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

The experienced tactician acknowledged the significance of defeating a club of Zamalek’s stature in the first leg but warned that the tie remains far from over.

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

“We are one match away from winning the title, and we will fight to return from Egypt with the cup. Thank you to the players for the strong spirit they showed. I thank the supporters who were behind this victory.”

The eight-time Algerian champions head into the encounter in strong form, unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions as they pursue a third continental title following their CAF Confederation Cup and Super Cup triumphs in 2023.

Zamalek, meanwhile, will rely on home support and their rich African pedigree as they seek to overturn the deficit and claim a record-equalling third Confederation Cup crown.