Hosts USM Alger converted a controversial stoppage-time penalty to edge Egyptian giants Zamalek 1-0 in Saturday’s first leg of the African Confederation Cup final at the Stade du 5 Juillet in the Algerian capital Algiers.

Ahmed Khaldi converted the spot kick ​after Zamalek thought they had snatched ⁠a late winner through Brazilian substitute Juan ​Alvina, who ran half the length of ​the pitch to tuck away a superb individual effort.

But the strike was ruled out, and play ​was brought back for a foul in ​the build-up when VAR found Hossam Abdelmaguid had caught ‌Rayane ⁠Mahrouz with a knee in the back.

Early in the second half, Zamalek’s Angolan import Chico Banza had a looping effort ​over USMA ​goalkeeper Oussama ⁠Benbot cleared off the line by defender Hocine Dehiri

USMA enjoyed ​fervent support but will now be ​up ⁠against it in Cairo when Zamalek host the second leg next Saturday.

Zamalek previously won ⁠the ​Confederation Cup in 2019 ​and 2024, while USMA were victors in 2023.

-Reuters

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Two of Africa’s most decorated clubs will renew their continental ambitions on Saturday when USM Alger host Zamalek SC in the first leg of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup final in Algiers.

The eagerly anticipated showdown at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 is expected to set the tone for what promises to be another fiercely contested final in Africa’s secondary club competition, with not only continental prestige at stake but also a record first prize of USD 4 million for the eventual winners.

USM Alger, champions in 2023, will be aiming to reclaim the title they won after edging Tanzania’s Young Africans on away goals in a dramatic two-legged final. The Algerian side booked their place in this season’s final through another tense away-goals triumph, eliminating Morocco’s Olympic Club Safi after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

For Zamalek, the final presents an opportunity to further cement their reputation as one of Africa’s elite clubs. The Egyptian giants lifted the Confederation Cup in 2019 and again in 2024, beating Morocco’s RS Berkane on both occasions after nail-biting aggregate scorelines.

The White Knights also had to navigate a difficult semi-final path this season, edging fellow Algerian side CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a crucial away victory inspired by Brazilian forward Juan Alvina.

Recent history suggests little will separate the two finalists. Several Confederation Cup finals in recent years have been decided on away goals or penalties, and another tight contest is widely expected over the two legs.

Saturday’s opening encounter in Algiers will be officiated by Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida, while Gabonese official Pierre Atcho will handle the decisive return leg in Cairo on 16 May.

With a passionate home crowd expected behind them, USM Alger will look to establish an advantage before travelling to the intimidating atmosphere of Cairo International Stadium for the second leg.

Zamalek, however, arrive with vast continental experience and a proven ability to thrive under pressure in away fixtures, setting the stage for a compelling battle between North African heavyweights.

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USM Alger booked their place in the CAF Confederation Cup final after battling to a 1-1 draw away to Olympique de Safi in a dramatic and disrupted semi-final second leg on Sunday night.

The result handed the Algerian side progression on away goals following a goalless first leg in Algiers, ending Safi’s historic run at the semi-final stage.

The decisive encounter in Safi was overshadowed early on by crowd disturbances involving visiting supporters, forcing a delay of one hour and 20 minutes before kick-off. Despite the chaotic build-up, both sides delivered a high-intensity contest befitting the stakes.

USM Alger struck a crucial blow just before half-time when Ahmed Khaldi calmly converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, putting the visitors ahead and firmly in control of the tie.

The opening half was played at a relentless pace, with both teams combining for 17 shots — one of the highest first-half tallies in this season’s tournament. Olympique Safi, backed by their home crowd, created the bulk of the chances but were repeatedly frustrated in front of goal.

The Moroccan side’s persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute when substitute Moussa Koné rose highest to head home an equaliser, sparking hopes of a late comeback.

However, Safi were unable to find the decisive second goal. Despite registering an impressive 41 attempts across both legs, they managed just one goal against a disciplined and well-organised USM Alger defence that held firm under sustained pressure in the closing stages.

The result marks a significant milestone for USM Alger, who reached the Confederation Cup final for the second time in their history, becoming the first Algerian club to do so twice after lifting the trophy in the 2022/23 season.

For Olympique Safi, the exit is bittersweet. They leave the competition unbeaten in their last five matches but are undone by inefficiency in front of goal. Their run of five consecutive draws sets a record in a single edition of the tournament — a testament to their resilience, but also their missed opportunities.

USM Alger will now face Zamalek SC in what promises to be a thrilling final, after the Egyptian giants advanced past CR Belouizdad.

The first leg of the final is scheduled to take place in Algeria next month, with the return leg in Cairo a week later, setting the stage for a compelling battle between two continental heavyweights.

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