Emmanuel Ernest of USM Alger challenges Mahmoud Mahmoud Hamouda Attia of Zamalek SC during the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 1st Leg Final match between USM Alger and Zamalek at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers, Algeria on 9 May 2026 ©Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix
Monday May 11, 2026. 14:06
Zamalek head coach Motamed Gamal insists there is still everything to play for despite losing 1-0 to USM Alger in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final on Saturday.
The White Knights appeared to have clinched a dramatic win at the Stade du 5 Juillet when Juan Alvina scored in second-half stoppage time before VAR intervened.
The referee deemed that Hossam Abdelmaguid had fouled Rayane Mahrouz at the other end of the pitch before the visitors countered and he pointed to the spot, with Ahmed Khaldi keeping his cool from 12 yards out.
The Egyptian giants didn’t cause the hosts too many problems in Algiers, but Gamal is adamant the second leg in Cairo will be a completely different story.
Zamalek are unbeaten on home soil in the competition this season and they’ve only conceded two goals in six matches, against Kaizer Chiefs (2-1) in the group stages and AS Otoho (2-1) in the quarter-finals.
“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,” Gamal said in his post-match press conference.
“We had hoped at least to come away with a goalless draw. 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.”