Zamalek captain Omar Gaber. Photo courtesy of Omar Gaber's Instagram account.
The veteran defender said Zamalek’s recent triumphs in Africa had helped shape a squad capable of handling pressure ahead of Saturday’s first-leg clash at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.
Speaking to CAFonline.com, Gaber stressed that the team’s experience in major continental matches had strengthened the players mentally ahead of another high-stakes final.
“We have already won the Confederation Cup and the Super Cup recently, so the players understand what it takes to succeed at this level,” Gaber said.
The 34-year-old, who has been part of Zamalek’s first team since 2010, said senior players were playing a key role in guiding younger teammates through the demands of a continental final.
“I try to share my experience with the younger players and help them prepare for matches like this,” he said.
“We constantly remind each other about the importance of staying focused and paying attention to every detail, especially in big games like this.”
Zamalek are competing for both domestic and continental honours this season, but Gaber insisted the squad remained fully concentrated on the task ahead.
“The mood in the camp is very positive,” he said. “There is strong focus among the players because we know how important this match is.”
The former Egypt international also highlighted the unity within the dressing room as one of the team’s greatest strengths.
“Everyone is working towards the same objective, and that collective spirit is one of our biggest strengths,” he said.
Zamalek will face a difficult challenge against USM Alger, who are aiming to capitalize on home support in the first leg.
“USM Alger are a strong team and they deserve to be in the final,” Gaber said. “They have experienced players and strong support, especially at home.”
Despite acknowledging the threat posed by the Algerian side, the Zamalek skipper said his team remained determined to return to Cairo with a favourable result before the second leg next week.
“We respect them a lot, but at the same time, we are focused on getting a positive result in the first leg,” he added.
Gaber also praised Zamalek supporters, describing them as a driving force behind the team’s ambitions to secure more silverware.
“Their support makes a huge difference for us,” he said. “We will give everything to make them proud.”
Zamalek travel to Algiers seeking a strong result before hosting the return leg of the Confederation Cup final at Cairo International Stadium on 16 May.
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