AFCON 2025
USM Alger claimed the CAF Confederation Cup title for the second time in their history after surviving a tense penalty shootout against Egyptian giants Zamalek.
The Cairo club won Saturday’s second leg 1-0 to level the aggregate score, but they fell short in the shootout in front of their home fans. Facing a one-goal deficit, the Egyptian hosts seized the initiative early.
Inside three minutes, USMA defender Che Malone fouled Zamalek midfielder Adam Kaied in the penalty area. Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho immediately pointed to the spot. Oday Dabbagh calmly rolled in the spot kick and leveled the aggregate score at 1-1.
The second leg remained a tense, low-scoring affair with few clear chances. Home goalkeeper El Mahdi Soliman left the pitch injured around the half-hour mark, forcing Zamalek to bring on experienced substitute Mohamed Awad, renowned for his penalty-saving skills.
Zamalek also saw a goal disallowed in the 20th minute, which kept the suspense high. USMA players maintained possession effectively and neutralized the hosts’ attacks for long periods.
After 90 minutes with the aggregate tied, the match went straight to penalties. Both teams converted their first seven kicks successfully.
However, Zamalek captain and Egypt international Mohamed Shehata fired his shot off target. In sudden death, Congolese midfielder Glody Kikonza beat Awad with a clinical penalty to secure the dramatic victory for USMA.
Despite their difficult domestic season in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle, where they sit near the relegation zone, USMA will defend their continental title next season.
They recently won the Coupe d’Algérie by defeating CR Belouizdad 2-1 in the final on April 30. Zamalek, meanwhile, will focus on securing a CAF Champions League spot next season and will be crowned champions ahead of rivals Al Ahly and Pyramids FC.
