Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal: ‘The players have strong motivation to win in Algeria’

Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal says his players will go into the first leg of TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup the 2025/26 final against USM Alger on Saturday, 9 May, with big ambitions and a clear desire to return from the July 5 Olympic Stadium in Algiers with a positive result that would move them closer to the continental title.

Gamal explained that Zamalek began their preparations immediately after arriving in Algeria, despite a demanding fixture schedule and the fatigue felt by the players after their recent match in the Egyptian league.

He said the focus is now fully on the first leg of the continental final and on achieving the best possible result before the return match.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with CAFonline.com, the Egyptian coach stressed the importance of the experience within the Zamalek squad in such major fixtures. He pointed to players who have already won the continental title, as well as internationals and others who are hoping to claim their first African trophy with the club.

Gamal also highlighted the team’s strong spirit and motivation as one of their most important weapons.

He expressed great respect for USM Alger and said the contest would be a difficult one between two big teams, while also underlining the importance of the mental side in finals of this nature.

CAFonline.com: How are you preparing for the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final against a strong opponent like USM Alger?
Moatamed Gamal: Zamalek are preparing seriously for the match given its importance, especially as it is a very important game and represents the first half of the final.
The team began preparations as soon as we arrived in Algeria on Wednesday, despite the fatigue of the players, especially as Zamalek played a match in the Egyptian league last Tuesday.
We have closed the page on the league and are preparing for the first leg of the final against USM Alger in order to achieve a positive result and win, to move a step closer to claiming the African title. Our focus is currently on this match.

What are the main strengths you are focusing on in your preparations before this continental final?
Zamalek’s players have great spirit and strong motivation to win the first leg. There are also senior players and experienced elements whose goal is to win the match we will play in Algeria and make the supporters happy.

Will Zamalek’s experience in major African matches give you an advantage in this final?
Of course, Zamalek have players with experience and international players. There is also a group of players in the team who previously played in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane (in 2024) and won the title at that time.
The new elements in the team also have experience and motivation to win their first continental title with Zamalek.

How do you view the playing style of your opponents, USM Alger, and what will be key to dealing with them on the pitch over the two legs of the final?
USM Alger are strong opponents and the match will be difficult. We respect the opposing team and we are following them closely.
Zamalek’s preparations have been short because of the team’s involvement in the league competition. USM Alger are a respectable team and they have respectable supporters.
It will be a meeting between two brotherly teams, and I hope sportsmanship will prevail in the match, as was the case in Zamalek’s two matches against CR Belouizdad in the semi-finals.
I hope the match is played in an honourable manner that reflects well on Arab football.

How important is the mental side for Zamalek’s players in a final of this size?
The mental side is an important factor, and focus is required in the match in order to achieve the best possible positive result.
We are keen to prepare the players psychologically and technically for the match. I have also asked them to close the file on the Egyptian league matches and not think about anything other than the meeting with USM Alger.
The team that is more mentally present in the match will be able to achieve its objectives.

What message would you like to send to Zamalek’s supporters before the continental final?
I cannot find enough words of thanks to do justice to Zamalek’s supporters for their continuous support of the team.
I hope we can achieve a positive result and make them happy in the coming period by winning the Egyptian league and the CAF Confederation Cup titles.
We await their support in the upcoming matches, as they have always accustomed us to.