Photo: Zamalek official Facebook page
USM Alger claimed a dramatic slender first‑leg victory in Algeria last Saturday after a late VAR intervention saw Juan Bezerra’s stoppage‑time strike for Zamalek ruled out for a foul in the build‑up and a penalty awarded to the hosts, which Ahmed Khaldi converted in the 98th minute, leaving Zamalek trailing 1-0 and sent the tie back to Cairo finely poised.
With almost packed Cairo International Stadium expected, the final promises another tense chapter in a rivalry that has already delivered late drama, controversy, and high-quality football. Their supporters will draw confidence not only from the intimidating atmosphere expected in Cairo but also from a long history of overturning deficits when the pressure has been greatest.
Zamalek are seeking a third CAF Confederation Cup title, having previously won it in 2019 and 2024. Both of those triumphs followed eerily similar scripts; in 2019, they lost the first leg 1-0 away to Morocco's RS Berkane before winning 1-0 at home and lifting the trophy on penalties. Five years later, they repeated the feat against the same opponents, losing 2-1 away before winning 1-0 in Cairo to claim the title on away goals.
Beyond the silverware, the winner will secure a record USD 4 million prize, the largest in the history of the CAF Confederation Cup, while the runner-up will receive USD 2 million.
The White Knights boast a formidable home record in Africa’s second competition, as they have lost just one of their 24 home games in the CAF Confederation Cup, a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch in last season's quarter-finals, winning 17 and drawing six, and have never conceded more than one goal at home in the competition. In 50 Confederation Cup matches overall, they have never suffered back-to-back defeats.
However, Zamalek will have to navigate the game without Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg, who was sent off for dissent following the penalty decision.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Cairo, Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal expressed confidence in his squad’s continental pedigree.
"Zamalek have experienced, international players who know exactly what is required on these big nights," Gamal told reporters.
"Many of our players won this title in 2024 and understand the pressure. We respect USM Alger as a formidable opponent, but our preparation is focused on clinical finishing and utilizing our home advantage," he added.
Alger’s resilience challenge
USM Alger, meanwhile, travel to Cairo without any injury concerns and buoyed by their first leg victory but under no illusions about the difficulty of protecting a one-goal lead on Egyptian soil.
The Algerian side also carry a reputation for resilience, as they have lost just once in their last 19 Confederation Cup matches and have kept clean sheets in all three of their recent encounters against Egyptian opposition.
Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, USM Alger’s Lamine Ndiaye acknowledged Zamalek's organisational quality while downplaying the potential impact of the Egyptian supporters.
"Zamalek are not a side that relies on individual brilliance; they are a cohesive, collective unit," the Senegalese coach said. "As for crowd pressure, football is played 11 versus 11 on the pitch. No fan can step onto the field and score a goal."
The White Knights are expected to rely on balancing attacking intent with defensive discipline, while USM Alger are likely to adopt a pragmatic approach, seeking to absorb pressure and exploit transitions.
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