Egyptian side Zamalek SC will look to overturn a first-leg deficit when they host USM Alger in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
The Algerian club heads into the decisive encounter holding a narrow 1-0 advantage after securing victory in the first leg at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers. Ahmed Al-Khaldi scored the winning goal from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after the referee reviewed the incident through VAR.
The first leg also saw a goal from Brazilian forward Juan Bezerra ruled out for Zamalek following a VAR review.
Zamalek Counting on Home Advantage
The Egyptian club will rely heavily on the support of its fans and its strong home record as it aims to complete a comeback and lift the title for the third time in club history after previous triumphs in 2019 and 2024.
Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal believes scoring early could be decisive in shifting the momentum of the tie, although he also warned his players about the danger posed by USM Alger’s counter-attacks.
The White Knights will be without Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg, who was sent off during the first leg. Veteran full-back Omar Gaber also remains unavailable due to injury.
However, young midfielder Mohamed El-Sayed has returned to the squad after recovering, while attacking options have been boosted by the return of Amr Nasser and the readiness of Juan Bezerra.
Defender Mahmoud Hamdi “El Wensh” stressed the importance of concentration in finals, saying that such matches are decided by the smallest details and that minimizing mistakes will be crucial.
Financial Stakes Add Extra Pressure
Beyond continental glory, the final also carries significant financial importance for Zamalek.
The Egyptian giants are reportedly targeting prize money exceeding four million dollars awarded to the tournament winner, a financial boost that could help the club deal with several registration suspension cases and administrative challenges.
As a result, the final has become more than just a battle for silverware, with the club also seeking financial relief through continental success.
USM Alger Aim to Bring Trophy Back to Algeria
On the other side, USM Alger arrive in Cairo determined to protect their first-leg advantage and secure a second Confederation Cup title after their triumph in 2023.
Cameroonian defender Che Malone Junior acknowledged the difficulty of the task awaiting the Algerian side but insisted the team is prepared for the challenge.
“We expect a different and difficult match against Zamalek in Cairo, and we have to score if we want to win the cup,” he said.
Midfielder Rayan Mahrouz also made the club’s objective clear, declaring that the team’s mission is to bring the trophy back to Algeria.
Experience Could Prove Crucial for Algerian Side
USM Alger head coach Lamine Ndiaye brings valuable continental experience into the final. The Senegalese tactician previously guided TP Mazembe to the CAF Champions League title in 2010 and also led USM Alger to Algerian Cup success this season.
The Algerian side will depend on experienced figures such as goalkeeper Oussama Benbout alongside Ibrahim Benzaza, Islam Merili, Haitham Loussif, and Saadi Radouani, several of whom were part of the club’s Confederation Cup-winning squad three seasons ago.
Algerian international Ashraf Abada described the clash against Zamalek as “the match of the season,” insisting the final represents the team’s biggest opportunity to rescue its campaign with another continental title.
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