N’Diaye unfazed by Zamalek crowd as USM Alger target Confederation Cup glory

USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye has dismissed concerns over the hostile atmosphere expected at Cairo International Stadium, insisting that supporters alone cannot influence the outcome of Saturday’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup final against Zamalek SC.

The Algerian side head into the second leg holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from last weekend’s first meeting at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers.

Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, N’Diaye praised Zamalek’s collective strength but brushed aside suggestions that the Egyptian club’s passionate home support could become a decisive factor.

“Zamalek are not a team built around individual brilliance; they play as a strong collective unit,” the Senegalese coach said. “As for the crowd, football is decided by 11 players against 11 on the pitch. Fans cannot come onto the field and score goals.”

Despite taking a first-leg lead into the return fixture, N’Diaye stressed that his side would not abandon their attacking approach.

“I expect a very competitive match,” he said. “My philosophy has always been to play for victory and to score goals. That will not change. It will be a difficult game, but the players are prepared because every match brings different circumstances.”

The experienced tactician also highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that continental finals are rare opportunities that demand complete concentration from players and staff alike.

“These kinds of decisive matches do not happen every day,” N’Diaye added. “Everyone is fully focused on achieving a positive result and winning the trophy.”

Reflecting on the first leg, the 69-year-old acknowledged the challenge posed by the Egyptian giants and pointed to their domestic form as proof of their quality.

“The first match was difficult, and our main objective was to secure a victory against a very strong opponent,” he explained. “Zamalek are close to winning the Egyptian Premier League ahead of Ahly and Pyramids FC, who are the last two CAF Champions League winners. That shows the level of this team, but we will fight with everything we have to become Confederation Cup champions.”

N’Diaye also revealed that his side would aim for balance rather than sit back and defend their slender advantage in Cairo.

“We came to Cairo to produce the performance we want,” he said. “We are here to protect the result from the first leg, but we will try to strike the right balance between defence and attack.”