'Fans don't score goals': USM Alger’s coach N'Diaye says unphased by Zamalek supporters

Ahmed Ghandour , Friday 15 May 2026

USM Alger head coach Lamine N'Diaye has played down the potential impact of Zamalek's home support ahead of Saturday's CAF Confederation Cup final second leg, asserting that "fans do not score goals" as his side look to protect their slender first-leg advantage.

USM Alger coach Lamine N'Diaye Photo: CAF

The Algerian side travel are gearing up to face Zamalek at Cairo’s International Stadium on Saturday, holding a 1-0 lead from last Saturday's encounter at Algeria's 5 July Stadium.

Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, Ndiaye acknowledged Zamalek's organisational quality while dismissing concerns about the atmosphere.

"Zamalek are not a side that relies on individual brilliance; they are a cohesive, collective unit," he said. "As for crowd pressure, football is played 11 versus 11 on the pitch. No supporter can step onto the field and score a goal."

The Senegalese tactician expects a fiercely contested affair but reiterated his attacking philosophy.

"I anticipate a significant match on the pitch. I always coach my team to play for victory and to score goals, that principle never changes. This will be a very difficult fixture, but my squad are prepared. Conditions evolve in every match," N'Diaye said.

The 69-year-old coach stressed the unique stakes of continental finals, stating, "These decisive matches do not come around every day. Everyone is fully focused on securing a positive result and lifting the trophy."

Reflecting on the first leg, the Algerian tactician praised Zamalek's credentials, saying, "The opening encounter was challenging, and the priority was to secure victory, especially given we face a very strong side. Zamalek are close to clinching the Egyptian Premier League title ahead of Ahly and Pyramids FC, the last two CAF Champions League winners. This underlines Zamalek's quality, and we will give our utmost to win and be crowned Confederation Cup champions."

Outlining his game plan for the return leg, N'Diaye emphasised tactical discipline.

"We have come to Cairo to deliver the performance we aspire to. We are here to defend the result we achieved in the first leg, and we will adopt a balanced approach between defence and attack," N'Diaye added.

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