USM Zamalek CAF Confederation Cup: USM Alger Secures Continental Glory After Nerve-Shredding Penalty Shootout in Cairo

The African club football season reached an unforgettable climax at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night. Algerian giants USM Alger successfully claimed the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup title, defeating Egypt’s storied club Zamalek SC in a tense penalty shootout.

Entering the high-stakes second-leg tie with a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Algiers, USM Alger faced massive pressure from a packed Cairo crowd. After a grueling 90 minutes ended 1-0 in favor of Zamalek, leaving the aggregate score locked at 1-1, the ultimate victor had to be decided from the penalty spot. The Algerians held their nerve perfectly during sudden death to secure a famous 8-7 shootout victory.

Oday Dabbagh Gives Zamalek the Perfect Start

The White Knights entered the home leg knowing they needed an early goal to wipe out USM Alger's first-leg advantage. They got exactly what they wanted within the opening moments of the match.

In the second minute, Zamalek midfielder Adam Kaied was tripped up inside the 18-yard box by USM Alger defender Che Malone Junior, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot. Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh stepped up in the fifth minute and calmly slotted the ball home, sending the home supporters into an absolute frenzy and leveling the aggregate score at 1-1.

Key Match Milestones and Tactical Turning Points

The highly physical encounter was defined by close refereeing decisions, tactical shifts, and unexpected player setbacks that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

• Disallowed Goal: In the 14th minute, Zamalek thought they had taken an aggregate lead when Mohamed Ismail scored with a powerful header, but the assistant referee quickly ruled it out for offside.
• Goalkeeper Injury: Zamalek suffered a major blow in the 29th minute when starting goalkeeper El Mahdi Slimane had to be substituted out due to an injury knock.
• The Big Save: Substitute goalkeeper Mohamed Awad was forced into immediate action, pulling off a brilliant fingertip save in the 43rd minute against a dangerous long-range shot from USM Alger's Ahmed Khaldi.
• Second-Half Dominance: USM Alger completely shifted tactics after halftime, dominating up to 65% of the ball possession and pinning the Egyptian team back into their own defensive territory.

The Dramatic 8-7 Penalty Shootout Decider

With neither team able to find a championship-winning goal during the final 45 minutes, the match moved directly into a penalty shootout. Both teams displayed world-class composure, with the first seven penalty takers from both sides converting their spot-kicks successfully.

The turning point arrived during the eighth round of penalties. Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata cracked under the intense pressure, blasting his shot high over the crossbar. Sensing the historic opportunity, USM Alger substitute Aimé Tendeng stepped up and coolly converted the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting Algerian bench.

The Massive Financial Reward and Next Continental Steps

This historic victory marks USM Alger's second CAF Confederation Cup title, adding to their first trophy won back in 2023. Beyond the massive continental prestige, the victory also serves as a major financial boost for the Algerian club's future growth.

The club will take home a record-breaking $4 million in championship prize money from CAF. Furthermore, the win secures USM Alger a highly anticipated spot in the upcoming CAF Super Cup, where they are scheduled to face either South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns or Morocco's FAR Rabat.

For official match statistics and full tournament brackets, head over to the official Confederation of African Football tournament home page.