By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
USM Alger produced a night of extraordinary courage and composure in Cairo to defeat Zamalek SC on penalties and win the CAF Confederation Cup after a dramatic final that stretched deep into a nerve-shredding shootout.
The Algerian giants triumphed 8-7 on penalties inside a hostile Cairo International Stadium after the two-legged final ended 1-1 on aggregate, securing their second CAF Confederation Cup title in just three years. ([
Zamalek had forced the final into penalties after winning the second leg 1-0 through an early Oday Dabbagh penalty in front of a roaring home crowd desperate to inspire another continental triumph.
The Egyptian side started aggressively and struck in only the fifth minute when Palestinian forward Dabbagh calmly converted from the spot after a foul inside the penalty area.
With the aggregate score level following USM Alger’s 1-0 first-leg victory in Algiers, the atmosphere inside Cairo International Stadium quickly became electric as Zamalek pushed relentlessly for another goal.
But despite waves of pressure from the Egyptian giants, USM Alger refused to break.
The Algerians defended heroically throughout the second half and nearly stunned the home supporters when first-leg hero Ahmed Khaldi went close with a dangerous effort that drifted narrowly wide.
After 90 tense minutes, the Confederation Cup final moved directly to penalties, setting the stage for one of the competition’s most dramatic conclusions in recent years.
The shootout became a test of nerve under unbearable pressure.
Both teams converted their opening seven penalties in remarkable fashion before disaster struck for Zamalek when Mohamed Shehata failed with the club’s eighth attempt.
Congolese midfielder Glody Likonza then stepped forward and buried the decisive kick to send USM Alger players, coaches and supporters into wild celebrations on the Cairo pitch. ([
The triumph completed a memorable continental campaign for USM Alger and further strengthened the club’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s toughest knockout teams.
The Algerian side had already taken a narrow advantage into the second leg after winning 1-0 in Algiers through a late Ahmed Khaldi penalty during a fiercely contested first meeting.
For Zamalek, the defeat was devastating.
The Egyptian giants had hoped to add another African trophy to their decorated history after previously lifting the Confederation Cup in 2019 and 2024. Instead, their supporters were left heartbroken as USM Alger celebrated another famous night on the continent. ([
USM Alger’s players collapsed to the turf in tears of joy at the final whistle, knowing they had survived one of African football’s most intimidating atmospheres to become champions once again.
For the Algerian club, it was more than just another trophy.
It was a statement to the continent that USM Alger belong among Africa’s elite.