Zamalek enters this decisive return fixture with their backs against the wall following a narrow and dramatic 1-0 defeat in the first leg held at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers. That encounter remained deadlocked until the dying moments of stoppage time when a VAR intervention turned the game on its head. Zamalek thought they had secured a late winner through substitute Juan Bezerra, but the goal was chalked off for a handball in the buildup. Instead, the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts, which Ahmed Khaldi converted in the 98th minute to give USM Alger the advantage.
The White Knights face a steep climb in the second leg, not only needing to overturn the one-goal deficit but also having to cope with the absence of defender Mahmoud Bentayg, who saw red for dissent during the chaotic final moments in Algeria. Despite the pressure, the Cairo giants are no strangers to continental glory, having previously lifted this trophy in 2019 and 2024.
With the security clearance for 46,200 supporters, the atmosphere in Cairo is expected to be electric. USM Alger, the 2023 champions, arrive with a slim lead and a resolute defense, knowing that a single away goal could make Zamalek's task monumental.
For Zamalek, the equation is simple: they must harness the energy of their massive home support to break down a disciplined Algerian side and keep their hopes of a third Confederation Cup title alive. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM local time, and with $4 million in prize money on the line, the stakes could not be higher for this North African showdown.