USM Alger Triumph Over Zamalek To Secure Second CAFCC Title

USM Alger Triumph Over Zamalek To Secure Second CAFCC Title

By Niyi Busari 

USM Alger secured the CAF Confederation Cup title after defeating Zamalek SC 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Zamalek won the second leg 1-0 during regulation time through an early penalty converted by Oday Dabbagh, but the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate following USM Alger’s first-leg victory in Algiers last weekend.

The Algerian side held their composure in the ensuing shootout to claim their second CAF Confederation Cup crown, adding to their maiden triumph in 2023.

The hosts made a dream start, drawing level in the aggregate score just five minutes into the contest. Adam Kaied was brought down inside the penalty area by defender Che Malone Junior, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick. Dabbagh calmly converted to hand Zamalek the lead on the night.

Zamalek, however, suffered an early setback when goalkeeper Al Mahdi Soliman was forced off injured before the half-hour mark and replaced by Mohamed Awad.

Before his substitution, Soliman produced a crucial save to deny a dipping long-range effort from Islam Merili, as USM Alger enjoyed extended spells of possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities in a tense and scrappy first half.

Zamalek nearly settled the contest late in regulation time when substitute Nasr Mansy connected with a cross from the right flank in the 85th minute, but USM Alger goalkeeper Oussama Benbot produced an excellent save to tip the header over the crossbar.

With no extra time played, the final proceeded directly to penalties after the aggregate score remained locked at 1-1.

The shootout proved fiercely contested, with the opening 14 penalties successfully converted by both teams. The decisive moment arrived when Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata fired his effort over the bar, leaving Glody Likonza to calmly score the winning penalty and seal victory for the visitors.

The triumph marks another significant milestone for USM Alger, who once again demonstrated resilience under pressure to emerge as continental champions.