The experienced Senegalese tactician became only the fifth coach in African football history to win both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup after USM Alger defeated Zamalek SC 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Cairo International Stadium.
For Ndiaye, the triumph represented far more than another major trophy.
At 69, the Senegalese coach continues to build a legacy defined by tactical discipline, calm leadership and remarkable longevity across African football.
USM Alger secured the title after surviving intense pressure from Zamalek in front of a packed crowd in Cairo.
The Egyptian side levelled the tie through an early penalty converted by Oday Al-Dabbagh, making it 1-1 on aggregate after USM Alger’s first-leg victory in Algiers.
However, neither side could find a decisive second goal, forcing the final into a tense penalty shootout where the Algerian club held their nerve to secure their second Confederation Cup crown.
The victory also earned USM Alger a record prize of USD 4 million following CAF’s recent increase in prize money for interclub competitions.
Much of the attention after the final quickly shifted toward Lamine Ndiaye, whose latest achievement places him among an exclusive group of African coaches to conquer both of the continent’s major club competitions.
The elite list includes Faouzi Benzarti, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, Houcine Ammouta and Moine Chaabani.
Ndiaye previously won the CAF Champions League with TP Mazembe in 2010 before adding the Confederation Cup title with USM Alger in 2026.
His coaching journey has spanned several major African clubs, including Coton Sport FC de Garoua, Horoya AC and Al Hilal Omdurman, where he consistently delivered domestic success and strong continental performances.
Yet beyond the trophies, Ndiaye’s reputation has been built on his ability to manage high-pressure moments with composure and tactical clarity.
Against Zamalek SC, his USM Alger side once again displayed the discipline and resilience that have become hallmarks of his teams throughout a distinguished career in African football.
