Ahmed Khaldi of USM Alger celebrates goal 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
Saturday May 09, 2026. 23:55
USM Alger came out on top in a controversial CAF Confederation Cup final first-leg tie against Zamalek as they ran out narrow 1-0 victors at the Stade du 5 Juillet in the first leg on Saturday, May 9.
In a controversial finish to the match, the White Knights were denied a stoppage-time winner when VAR called the referee to review an incident at the other end of the pitch and Lamine N’Diaye’s side were awarded a penalty which was calmly converted by Ahmed Khaldi.
USMA will now look to keep the Egyptian giants at bay in the second leg next weekend in a bid to the title for the second time in their history.
The hosts struggled in the final third throughout the 90 minutes and only tested El Mahdy Soliman on three occasions, none of which posed the goalkeeper any real problems.
The best chances came the way of Moatemed Gamal’s side, with Chico Banza firing a shot across the face of goal just before half-time and the Angolan striker proved wasteful again moments later as he missed the target.
USM Alger bossed possession in the second half, although their efforts were largely unrewarded, while the visitors barely threatened Oussama Benbot’s goal.
The contest appeared to be heading for a goalless draw when Juan Alvina popped up at the death to score an apparent winner on the counter. However, VAR intervened and the ref pointed to the spot at the other end for a foul on Rayane Mahrouz.
Mahmoud Bentayg was sent off in the confusion and Khaldi kept a cool head to beat Soliman from 12 yards out to clinch victory.
USM Alger (0) 1 (Khaldi 90+8′ PEN)
Zamalek (0) 0