Nasser Mansy during the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 1st Leg Final Training for Zamalek in Algiers, Algeria on 8 May 2026 ©BackpagePix
Friday May 15, 2026. 13:00
Zamalek will look to overturn a slender deficit in the CAF Confederation Cup when they host USM Alger in the second-leg of the final at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 8:00 pm CAT.
The Egyptian giants are coming into this decisive return leg needing at least a two-goal victory to lift the trophy after a frustrating 1-0 first-leg defeat in Algiers.
Zamalek fell to a controversial stoppage-time penalty, with Juan Bezerra’s stunning late solo goal disallowed by VAR before Ahmed Khaldi converted from the spot.
The White Knights have shown patchy form in recent weeks but remain dangerous at home, where they boast a strong continental record. They are chasing a third Confederation Cup crown (after 2019 and 2024), which would equal the all-time record.
Zamalek will be missing key players due to injury and suspension. Omar Gaber, Ahmed Hossam, Juan Bezerra (pelvic injury) and Mohamed El-Sayed (ankle sprain) are doubtful, while defender Mahmoud Bentayg is suspended after seeing red in the first leg.
“There is a first half that has ended in Algeria, and there is still another half in Cairo. We have strong motivation to make up for this and win the title. We had hoped at least to come away with a goalless draw,” Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal said.
“The players did what they had to do on the pitch. We defended well and had more chances to score by relying on transitions. We will fight until the last minute to win and claim the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title… Zamalek have big players and they are up to the responsibility. We will make every possible effort in the return leg to win and lift the continental title.”
Alger, meanwhile, take a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead to Cairo thanks to Khaldi’s dramatic 90+8′ penalty and head into the match in excellent shape, remaining undefeated in their last six matches across all competitions.
The Algerian side have a narrow lead to defend in Egypt and are eyeing a third continental trophy following their 2023 Confederation Cup and Super Cup successes.
Alger travel with a virtually full squad. No players are suspended despite several yellow cards in Algiers (including goalkeeper Oussama Benbot and defender Che Malone).
“The most important thing when playing finals is to win, whatever the performance. We must work to correct some technical aspects,” USM Alger coach Lamine N’Diaye said.
“We achieved an important victory against a big team with continental experience, but the title has not been decided yet. We are one match away from winning the title, and we will fight to return from Egypt with the cup. Thank you to the players for the strong spirit they showed. I thank the supporters who were behind this victory.”
Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho will take charge of a high-stakes encounter expected to draw a capacity crowd of around 46,000 at the iconic Cairo venue.
This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides. Alger remain unbeaten against Zamalek, with two wins and one draw in previous encounters.