Zamalek striker Seifeddine Jaziri confident club can overturn Confederation Cup final first-leg defeat

Zamalek striker Seifeddine Jaziri has expressed confidence that the Egyptian giants can stage a comeback against USM Alger in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.

The Egyptian giants suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Algeria and will now look to overturn the deficit when they host the decisive return fixture in Cairo on Saturday evening.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Jaziri insisted the White Knights delivered a strong performance away from home but were ultimately denied by bad luck.

“Zamalek played an excellent match in the first leg, but the lack of luck prevented the team from achieving a positive result,” Jaziri said in comments published by the Confederation of African Football.

The Tunisian forward stressed that the squad remains fully focused on producing a strong display in Cairo and securing the continental crown.

“Zamalek is striving to achieve a positive result, deliver a great performance and win the title. Focus is required in the second leg, and we must maintain self-control and exert maximum effort,” he added.

Jaziri also addressed the absence of key players Omar Gaber and Mahmoud Bentayg, admitting their absence will be felt but backing the depth of the squad to rise to the occasion.

“Omar Gaber, the team captain, is an important player, and Mahmoud Bentayg is an influential player. Their absence will affect Zamalek, but the team includes great players who can compensate for any absences,” he stated.

The striker also called on the club’s supporters to continue backing the team in what is expected to be a tense and high-stakes final in Cairo.

“The Zamalek fans support us constantly and we look forward to their support. We strive to make them happy by winning the title in next Saturday’s match,” Jaziri concluded.

Zamalek are chasing a third CAF Confederation Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2019 and 2024, while USM Alger are aiming to defend their continental dominance and secure another historic triumph.