Zamalek and USM Alger in thrilling final showdown for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 title
African football fans will turn their attention to Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, 16 May, from 18:00 GMT, as Egyptian giants Zamalek host Algeria’s USM Alger in a blockbuster second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final.
The clash promises a spectacular atmosphere, with thousands of supporters expected to fill the famous venue for one of the biggest matches of the continental season.
The two sides head into the return leg with different ambitions, but the same objective — lifting the trophy. Last week’s first leg in Algiers ended 1-0 in favour of USM Alger after a fiercely contested encounter marked by tactical discipline, intensity and high drama throughout. As a result, the final remains wide open ahead of the decisive showdown in Cairo.
Zamalek chasing comeback and third title
Zamalek will need a strong response in front of their home supporters as they attempt to overturn the deficit and complete a comeback that would secure a third TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup crown in the club’s history.
The Egyptian side will rely on the experience of their players in major continental occasions, as well as the expected backing of a passionate crowd, to put their opponents under pressure from the opening whistle and try to settle the contest within 90 minutes.
However, Zamalek will be without several key players. Captain Omar Gaber misses out through injury, while Mahmoud Bentayg is suspended following his red card in the first leg, forcing the technical staff to seek alternative solutions to maintain balance within the squad.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal said his side would approach the match with a winning mentality.
“Our objective is to win the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title and we will fight to be crowned champions,” he said. “All the players are ready to achieve victory in the second leg of the final.”
He added: “Zamalek’s players have great experience, and all our focus is on the return leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final. We hope to finish the match and win without needing penalties. We are ready for every possible scenario, including a penalty shootout.”
USM Alger dreaming of a second crown
USM Alger arrive in Cairo full of confidence and determined to withstand the pressure from their hosts as they aim to bring the trophy back to Algeria and secure a second CAF Confederation Cup title.
The Algerian representatives know the task will not be easy against an experienced continental opponent backed by a formidable home crowd. However, USM Alger showed strong character and tactical discipline in the first leg, giving them belief ahead of the decisive encounter.
USM Alger coach Lamine Ndiaye also spoke positively ahead of the match.
“The team’s morale is very high before the second leg of the final,” he said. “Finals do not come around often, and everyone is fully focused on achieving a positive result and winning the title.”
He added: “The most important thing was winning the first leg, which was difficult against a strong opponent. We are ready, and our objective is to win and score goals despite the difficulty of the task.”
A final balanced on a knife-edge
The return leg is expected to deliver plenty of excitement given the closeness in quality between the two teams, as well as the mental pressure that naturally surrounds major finals.
Zamalek are likely to attack from the outset in search of an early breakthrough, while USM Alger will aim to manage the game intelligently and exploit spaces on the counterattack.
Fans set to create unforgettable atmosphere
The crowd is also expected to play a decisive role in the spectacle, with Cairo International Stadium set to be packed with Zamalek supporters eager to inspire their team towards continental glory.
At the same time, a sizeable travelling contingent from Algeria will hope to witness another historic chapter for USM Alger and celebrate the return of the trophy to Algiers.