USM Alger pocket $4million after CAF Confederation Cup triumph over Zamalek

USM Alger have been crowned winners of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup after edging Egyptian giants Zamalek 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final decided at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night.

The Algerian side entered the decisive second leg with a slender advantage, having secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the first leg the previous week.

However, Zamalek responded in front of their home supporters, with Oday Dabbagh striking early in the 5th minute to level the tie on aggregate.

Despite sustained pressure from both sides over the remainder of the 90 minutes, neither team managed to find a breakthrough, leaving the aggregate score locked at 1-1 and forcing the contest into a tense penalty shootout.

In a nerve-shredding shootout that went the full distance, USM Alger held their nerve to prevail 8-7, sealing continental glory in one of the most closely contested finals in recent memory.

The triumph earns the Algerian club a significant financial reward, with USM Alger set to pocket $4 million as CAF Confederation Cup champions.

The victory also secures their place in the CAF Super Cup, where they will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or AS FAR.