Zamalek banking on experience and Cairo crowd to overturn USM Alger deficit in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final

Zamalek are hoping the weight of history, the passion of their supporters and the experience within their squad can inspire another dramatic African comeback when they host USM Alger in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final on Saturday.

The Egyptian giants head into the decisive clash at Cairo International Stadium trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Algiers that was decided deep into stoppage time.

A dramatic VAR intervention denied Zamalek what they believed was a winning goal by Brazilian forward Juan Bezerra before USM Alger were awarded a penalty moments later, with Ahmed Khaldi converting to hand the Algerians a slender advantage ahead of the return encounter.

Now, with another continental title and millions in prize money on the line, Zamalek coach Moataz Gamal says his side are fully prepared for every possible scenario — including penalties — as they chase a third Confederation Cup crown.

“We are ready for all scenarios, even penalty kicks,” Gamal told reporters during Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“Of course, we hope to win the match before it reaches that stage, but the team is mentally and technically prepared for everything.”\

The Cairo club have built a reputation for thriving under pressure in African competition, having lifted the Confederation Cup in 2019 and again in 2024, both times defeating Morocco’s RS Berkane in the final.

Saturday’s showdown presents another chance to reinforce their continental pedigree, but they face a dangerous USM Alger side chasing a second title in four years after their 2023 triumph against Young Africans.

Gamal insisted his players are completely focused on the final despite an ongoing domestic title race in Egypt.

“The players have great experience and the full focus now is only on this match,” he said.

“Our objective is clear — we want to win the Confederation Cup and everyone is ready to fight for that goal.”

The Zamalek coach also hinted that his side could adopt a different tactical approach from the first leg, where they spent long periods defending under heavy Algerian pressure before the late drama unfolded.

“We may play differently in Cairo,” Gamal explained.

“We respect USM Alger because they are a strong side with an experienced coach in Lamine Ndiaye, but we also know what we must do to achieve our target.”

The coach also came to the defence of centre-back Hossam Abdel-Maguid, whose handball led to the decisive penalty in Algiers.

“Defenders always carry a lot of responsibility and people focus on one mistake,” Gamal said.

“Hossam actually played a very good game and has been one of our best performers recently. I spoke with him and reminded him of his quality.”

The pressure surrounding the final also extends beyond football.

Captain Omar Gaber admitted that winning the competition would provide a major emotional and financial boost for a club that has faced well-documented economic challenges in recent years.

“The financial rewards from winning this title would help the club a lot,” Gaber said.

“Zamalek supporters deserve happiness and we are determined to give everything to achieve that.”

The veteran defender also revealed that the squad had been emotionally affected by the recent death of teammate Mohamed Shehata’s father, praising the midfielder’s courage for still featuring in the first leg.

“We want to make him happy by winning the trophy,” Gaber added.

Zamalek will once again look towards their supporters to create the intimidating atmosphere for which Cairo International Stadium has become famous on African nights.

Gamal believes the expected packed crowd will inspire rather than intimidate his players.

“The fans are always a huge motivation for us,” he said.

“We want to deliver a performance worthy of Zamalek and worthy of our supporters.”

For USM Alger, the task is simple — avoid defeat and complete another famous continental triumph.

For Zamalek, however, Saturday night represents something much bigger: redemption, silverware and perhaps salvation for a turbulent season.