Gamal confident as Zamalek eye comeback against USM Alger in CAF Confederation Cup clash

Zamalek head coach Moatamed Gamal has backed his side to respond strongly in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against USM Alger, insisting the Egyptian giants have the experience and mentality to turn the tie around.

Zamalek fell 1-0 in the first leg over the weekend at the 5 July Olympic Stadium in Algiers, where Ahmed Khaldi struck from the penalty spot deep into added time to hand the Algerian side a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture.

Despite the setback, Gamal remains optimistic about his team’s chances, highlighting the quality and pedigree within his squad ahead of the decisive clash in Cairo.

“Zamalek have big players, and they are up to the responsibility. We will make every possible effort in the return leg to win and lift the continental title,” he said after the match.

The result leaves Zamalek with work to do, but they will take confidence from returning home for the second leg, where a passionate Cairo crowd is expected to play a major role in pushing them forward.

USM Alger, meanwhile, will travel to Egypt holding a slender lead and knowing that managing the atmosphere will be as important as defending their advantage on the pitch.

The decisive second leg is scheduled for 16 May in Cairo, with a place in the CAF Confederation Cup final at stake.