Zamalek SC have introduced a series of organisational measures ahead of the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against USM Alger, as the Egyptian club attempts to avoid a repeat of the problems that affected the 2024 final.
The decisive match is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening at Cairo International Stadium, home of the White Knights, with Zamalek seeking to ensure the occasion is managed more effectively both on and off the pitch.
According to information obtained by Yalla Kora, the club’s board and organisational team have implemented several new arrangements aimed at improving crowd management and avoiding disciplinary issues that previously resulted in financial penalties from the Confederation of African Football.
One of the main measures introduced involves transportation for the families of players. Zamalek have reportedly allocated two private buses to transport relatives of the squad directly to Cairo International Stadium for the final.
The club has also designated a specific seating area for the players’ families inside the venue. Family members are expected to be seated in the first-class north stand, with seats selected close to the stadium gate in order to make access to the pitch easier in the event of a title celebration.
In addition, the club has introduced a wristband identification system for family members attending the match.
The wristbands are intended to help stadium security and organisational authorities identify approved individuals more efficiently when entering the stadium stands or accessing the field after the final whistle.
The new procedures appear to be part of a broader effort by Zamalek officials to strengthen organisation and avoid scenes similar to those witnessed during the 2024 Confederation Cup final.
The Egyptian club had previously been punished financially by the Confederation of African Football because of organisational shortcomings linked to that event.
Although details of the earlier incidents were not outlined, the latest decisions indicate that Zamalek are determined to present a more controlled and professional operation during one of the club’s most important matches of the season.
Saturday’s encounter is expected to attract significant attention from supporters across Egypt and North Africa, with both clubs aiming to secure continental success.
Zamalek will rely heavily on home support at Cairo International Stadium as they attempt to overcome Algerian side USM Alger in front of their own fans.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is expected to be intense, increasing the importance of effective crowd and access management around the venue.
The club’s decision to coordinate transportation and introduce controlled access measures reflects growing awareness among African clubs regarding the importance of security, logistics and compliance with Confederation of African Football regulations during major continental matches.
By organising designated transport, reserved seating and identification systems, Zamalek hope to minimise confusion and ensure only authorised individuals are permitted near restricted areas of the stadium.
The measures also underline the pressure on clubs hosting major CAF finals, where organisational failures can result not only in financial sanctions but also reputational damage on the continental stage.
With the trophy at stake and expectations high among supporters, Zamalek will hope the focus remains firmly on football when they face USM Alger in Cairo.
