USM Alger coach reveals winning formula against Zamalek in Confederation Cup triumph

USM Alger head coach Lamine Ndiaye has revealed the tactical approach that guided his side to the CAF Confederation Cup title after defeating Zamalek SC in a dramatic final.

The Algerian side secured their second continental crown on Saturday night after winning 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw across both legs.

Speaking after the match at Cairo International Stadium, Ndiaye explained that his team travelled to Egypt with a clear objective.

“We came to Cairo with the goal of winning, and we knew how difficult the task would be,” Ndiaye said.

The Senegalese tactician admitted Zamalek started strongly and took an early lead through a penalty converted by Oday Dabbagh, but insisted USM Alger quickly gained control of the encounter.

“After the first five minutes, we controlled the match and managed to equalise and reach the penalty shootout, which decided the title in our favour,” he stated.

Ndiaye praised his players for maintaining an attacking approach throughout the contest and refusing to sit back despite the pressure from the home side.

“We never retreated at any point in the match, but rather played offensively and created many opportunities. We were subjected to counter-attacks, from which the opponent could have scored as well, but we were the better team for most of the match,” he added.

The coach also pointed to the possession statistics as proof of his side’s dominance.

“Zamalek only had 34% possession of the ball, while we had more possession and shots towards the goal,” Ndiaye continued.

According to the USM Alger manager, his team’s aggressive pressing strategy forced Zamalek onto the defensive for large parts of the game.

“Our style forced Zamalek to retreat. We applied strong pressure and were the better team, and that’s what enabled us to achieve our goal,” he explained.

Ndiaye also disclosed how his side neutralised Brazilian forward Juan Bezerra, one of Zamalek’s key attacking threats.

“He does not pose a great danger if the ball does not reach him, so we focused on isolating him completely, which we succeeded in doing,” he said.

The experienced coach further revealed that USM Alger’s penalty shootout success was no coincidence, stressing that the team regularly prepares for such situations in training.

“We make sure to train for penalty kicks regularly, even before the Algerian Cup final. I had a special sheet of paper containing the most prominent Zamalek penalty takers,” Ndiaye revealed.