Lamine N’Diaye confident as USM Alger eye CAF Confederation Cup glory after first-leg win over Zamalek

USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye says his side will travel to Cairo with “great determination” as they aim to win the CAF Confederation Cup.

USM Alger hold a slender advantage after edging Zamalek in a tightly contested first leg, a result that gives the Algerian side an important boost ahead of the return fixture.

Despite the narrow win, N’Diaye has urged focus and belief as the tie moves to Egypt.

“We are one match away from winning the title, and we will fight to return from Egypt with the cup,” the USM Alger coach said, underlining his team’s ambition to go all the way in the competition.

The Senegalese tactician also took time to acknowledge the effort of his players and the backing from supporters, describing both as key to the first-leg success.

“Thank you to the players for the strong spirit they showed. I thank the supporters who were behind this victory,” he added.

While USM Alger carry a slight edge into the decisive second leg, the tie remains delicately poised.

Zamalek, with their rich continental pedigree, are expected to mount a strong response when they host the Algerian side in Cairo.

The second leg is scheduled for 16 May, with a place in the final of Africa’s prestigious club competition firmly at stake.