The Algerian club took a first-leg advantage in the Confederation Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Zamalek in Algiers in dramatic fashion.
Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida disallowed a stoppage-time goal by Zamalek’s Brazilian winger Juan Alvina and awarded a penalty to the hosts after ruling that Zamalek defender Hossam Abdel-Meguid had fouled USMA forward Ahmed Khaldi in the build-up inside the area.
The referee also showed Zamalek fullback Mahmoud Bentayg a second yellow card for protesting the penalty decision, resulting in his dismissal and ruling him out of the second leg.
“The referee was brave,” Allik told Algerian newspaper Ennahar on Sunday.
“It is not easy at all to disallow a goal, award a penalty and send off a player. He is a quality referee selected for the World Cup.”
Allik acknowledged the quality of the Egyptian side but said USMA would travel to Cairo determined to secure the title.
“Zamalek are a good team, but we will head to Cairo to win,” he said.
“It is a final and you must give your best to win the title.”
Zamalek host the second leg in Cairo on Saturday 16 May.
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