CAF Confederation Cup: USM Alger prevail in penalties to knock off Zamalek in Cairo

USM Alger are the CAF Confederation Cup champions for the second time in their history after the Algerian club survived a tense penalty shootout against Egyptian giants Zamalek. The Cairo club won Sunday’s second leg 1-0 to level the aggregate score but ended up losing the penalty shootout in heartbreaking fashion.

Facing a one-goal deficit ahead of the second leg, the hosts from Egypt did well to seize the initiative. Inside three minutes, Zamalke midfielder Adam Kaied was knocked over by USMA defender Che Malone in the penalty area and there was little doubt when Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho pointed to the spot.

Oday Dabbagh made no mistake, with the Palestinian rolling in the spot kick to level the aggregate score at 1-1.

From that point on the second leg was a tense affair with few opportunities for either team. Home goalkeeper El Mahdi Soliman was forced off due to injury around the half hour mark, bringing in experienced substitute Mohamed Awad who is known for his ability on penalty kicks.

Zamalek also had a goal disallowed in the 20th minute to maintain the high level of suspense. Visitors USMA did well to maintain possession and neutralize the attacking threat of the home side for long stretches.

USMA triumph in penalty kick shootout to capture CAF Confederation Cup

After ninety minutes and with the aggregate score level, the final went straight to penalty kicks with no extra-time. Despite the experience for the two opposing goalkeepers, Awad and USMA’s Oussam Benbot, they were no match for well-taken spot kicks as both teams converted their first seven attempts with no issue.

But it was the hosts who blinked first. Zamalek captain and Egypt international midfielder Mohamed Shehata fired his kick off target. In the “sudden death” stage, it was Congolese midfielder Glody Kikonza whose penalty went off the hands of Awad and into the goal for the dramatic winning spot kick.

It’s over. USM Alger are champions. 🏆#TotalEnergiesCAFCC pic.twitter.com/jq9SBcZhpU

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) May 16, 2026

Despite a difficult domestic league campaign in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle, where they are close to the relegation zone, USMA will be able to defend their title next season after conquering the Coupe d’Algérie after defeating CR Belouizdad 2-1 in the final on April 30.

As for the runners-up, Zamalek will aim to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season. If they avoid defeat at home against Ceramica Cleopatra in Egypt’s Nile League on Wednesday, they will be crowned champions ahead of rivals Al Ahly and Pyramids FC.