‘Fans do not score goals’ – USM Alger refuse to fear Cairo pressure ahead of decisive final clash with Zamalek

USM Alger believe composure, experience and collective discipline will matter far more than noise and atmosphere when they step into a packed Cairo International Stadium for Saturday’s decisive second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final against Zamalek.

With tens of thousands of Zamalek supporters expected to create a hostile environment in Cairo, USM Alger coach Lamine Ndiaye delivered a blunt response when asked about the pressure awaiting his players.

“The fans do not score goals,” the veteran Senegalese tactician declared confidently during Friday’s pre-match press conference.

The Algerian side travel to Egypt carrying a narrow 1-0 advantage from a dramatic first leg in Algiers, where Ahmed Khaldi converted a stoppage-time penalty after a controversial VAR review denied Zamalek a late winner.

That result has left the tie delicately balanced heading into one of the biggest nights of the African club season, with both clubs chasing another continental title and the prestige that comes with conquering Africa.

USM Alger already arrive in Cairo riding a wave of confidence after recently retaining the Algerian Cup with victory over fierce rivals CR Belouizdad, a triumph that captain Saadi Radouani believes has further strengthened the squad mentally ahead of the final.

“The morale inside the team is very high after winning the Algerian Cup,” Radouani said.

“Now we are fully focused on what we call the second half of the final. We achieved an important result in the first leg, but the work is not finished yet.”

USM Alger are chasing a second Confederation Cup title after lifting the trophy in 2023 against Tanzania’s Young Africans, while Zamalek are pursuing a third crown after successes in 2019 and 2024.

Despite holding the advantage, Ndiaye warned that his side remains fully aware of the scale of the challenge posed by the Egyptian giants.

“The first leg was extremely difficult and this second match will be even harder,” he admitted.

“We are facing a very strong team that is competing for the Egyptian league title against Al Ahly and Pyramids, the last two African Champions League winners. That alone tells you the level of this Zamalek side.”

Ndiaye was particularly complimentary about Zamalek’s tactical organisation, insisting the Cairo club’s strength lies in their collective structure rather than individual brilliance.

“Zamalek are not a team that depends only on individual quality,” he said.

“They work very well collectively and that makes them dangerous.”

The experienced coach, however, dismissed suggestions that USM Alger would simply defend their slim advantage in Cairo.

Known for his pragmatic but ambitious tactical approach, Ndiaye insisted his side would still attempt to attack whenever opportunities arise.

“My philosophy never changes,” he explained.

“I always want my teams to play to win and score goals. Of course, we must remain balanced between defence and attack, but we did not come here only to defend.”

That confidence appears to have spread throughout the USM Alger camp.

Captain Radouani revealed the players have spent significant time studying Zamalek’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the return encounter and believes preparation could prove decisive.

“We know this is the match of the season for both clubs,” he said.

“We studied Zamalek carefully and we understand what we must do on the pitch. The team that is mentally stronger and better prepared will have the best chance to win.”

Radouani also reignited discussion around the first leg by accusing Zamalek of using time-management tactics during periods of Algerian dominance in Algiers.

“Zamalek tried to slow the game down in the first match,” he claimed.

“But finals are always like that. We are expecting another very intense game.”

While much of the attention in Egypt has focused on Zamalek’s attempt to overturn the deficit, USM Alger know they stand on the brink of another historic continental achievement.

Victory in Cairo would not only secure a second Confederation Cup title in four years, but would further confirm the club’s growing status among Africa’s elite sides.

The Algerians are also expected to receive strong backing in Cairo, with travelling supporters making the journey from Algiers in hope of witnessing another memorable African triumph.

Radouani thanked both the USM Alger supporters and Zamalek officials ahead of the clash.

“We appreciate the welcome we received in Cairo,” he said.

“And to our supporters, we promise we will fight for every ball and do everything possible to bring the trophy back home to Algeria.”

Now, with pressure building and emotions rising before another explosive North African final, Ndiaye’s message remains simple.

Crowds may roar, history may weigh heavily and tension may rise — but once the whistle blows in Cairo, only the football will matter.