USM Alger defender Achref Abada fires warning to Zamalek ahead of decisive Confederation Cup final

USM Alger defender Achref Abada has described his outfit CAF Confederation Cup final showdown against Zamalek as the most important game of the club’s campaign.

The Algerian side will travel to Cairo on Saturday for the decisive second leg of the Confederation Cup final carrying a slim advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Algeria thanks to a late strike from Ahmed Al-Khaldi.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, the Algerian defender admitted the final represents a defining moment in the club’s season.

“Our match against Zamalek is the match of the season for us, as it is our chance to save the team’s season after winning the Algerian Cup,” Abada told reporters.

The defender also revealed that the club deliberately rested several key players during their recent league fixture against ES Mostaganem in order to ensure the squad would be fully prepared for the clash against the Egyptian giants.

“We missed several players in the last league match in order to have them available for the Zamalek game. We are fully focused on this final match,” he added.

USM Alger are now aiming to complete the job in Cairo and capture another continental crown after previously lifting the CAF Confederation Cup title in 2023.

Meanwhile, Zamalek are hoping to overturn the first-leg deficit in front of their home supporters as they chase a third Confederation Cup triumph following their successes in 2019 and 2024.

The final is expected to produce another intense battle between two of Africa’s most historic clubs, with both sides determined to end the season with continental glory.