USM Alger secured the CAF Confederation Cup title for the second time in the club’s history after defeating Zamalek SC 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Algerian side’s triumph added another continental crown to the title they won in 2023 and also secured a place in next season’s CAF Super Cup, where they will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or FAR Rabat.
For Zamalek, however, the defeat has sparked significant debate over the team’s tactical decisions, player selections and overall approach during the final.
Despite beginning the match in ideal fashion, the Egyptian club gradually lost control of the contest, allowing USM Alger to grow into the game before eventually prevailing in the penalty shootout.
Bright Start Quickly Lost Momentum
Zamalek appeared to have the perfect opening for a team attempting to overturn a first-leg deficit.
The hosts won a penalty only two minutes into the match after Adam Kayed was fouled inside the penalty area by Malone. Palestinian striker Oday Al-Dabbagh calmly converted in the fifth minute, immediately levelling the tie and lifting the atmosphere inside Cairo International Stadium.
The early goal gave Zamalek momentum and belief. Shortly afterwards, the home side thought they had scored again through Mohamed Ismail, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
At that stage, the match appeared to be shifting firmly in Zamalek’s favour. Instead, the Egyptian side unexpectedly slowed the pace of the game, allowing USM Alger to recover from the pressure of the opening minutes.
According to the match analysis, Zamalek themselves interrupted play four times during the first 20 minutes, a sequence that reduced the intensity of their attack and helped the Algerian side settle into the contest.
As the game progressed, USM Alger gradually took control of possession and midfield battles. The Algerian club recorded 65% possession at Cairo International Stadium and won 80% of second balls and duels, forcing Zamalek deep into their own half.
One statistic highlighted the extent of the shift in momentum: despite playing at home in front of their supporters, Zamalek touched the ball only eight times inside the USM Alger penalty area, compared with 15 touches for the visitors.
Supporters inside the stadium reportedly urged the players to press higher up the pitch as the team’s intensity dropped noticeably after the explosive start.
Questions Over Jaziri Selection
Another issue that drew criticism was the continued reliance on Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri.
Coach Moataz Gamal once again placed his trust in the forward despite previous disappointing performances in key matches.
Jaziri struggled to influence the final and ended the match without registering a shot on target or creating a chance. He won only three of seven duels and recovered possession just once during the game.
The decision to start him in such an important match became one of the major talking points after the defeat.
Debate Over Penalty Strategy
Further scrutiny centred on Zamalek’s handling of the match as it moved towards penalties.
Observers questioned the decision to substitute Al-Dabbagh despite the striker having already scored from the spot earlier in the match and showing confidence under pressure.
Many felt his presence during the shootout could have provided Zamalek with an additional advantage.
“It is well known that any team threatened with reaching penalty kicks pushes the best players to shoot, not takes out the first shooter!”
USM Alger’s coach later revealed that his side had specifically prepared for penalties and had studied Zamalek’s likely takers before the final.
Although the Algerian goalkeeper did not save a penalty during the shootout, Zamalek ultimately lost after Mohamed Shehata missed his effort.
The defeat has now left Zamalek facing difficult questions about their tactical management, squad decisions and inability to capitalise on a near-perfect start in one of the club’s most important matches of the season.
