Ahmed Khaldi’s late penalty handed USM Alger a slender advantage over Zamalek in the first leg of the Confederation Cup final after a tense encounter ended 1-0.
The Algerian side secured victory in dramatic fashion after Mahmoud Bentayg was sent off in the closing stages for the Egyptian hosts, allowing Khaldi to convert from the spot and separate the teams in a fiercely contested match.
The result gives USM Alger a narrow edge ahead of the return leg in Cairo on 16 May, where Zamalek will attempt to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
Clear-cut opportunities were limited throughout a physical contest in which both sides struggled to establish attacking rhythm. The opening half was marked more by challenges and stoppages than moments of quality in front of goal.
Zamalek, playing at home, picked up two bookings before the interval as the intensity of the contest increased. Despite periods of pressure from both teams, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested during the opening 45 minutes and the sides went into the break level at 0-0.
The pattern of the match remained largely unchanged after half-time, with both teams continuing to battle for control in midfield. Chances remained scarce, although Zamalek briefly believed they had broken the deadlock midway through the second half.
The Egyptian club thought they had moved ahead in the 67th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out, denying the home supporters a breakthrough moment in an otherwise cagey affair.
As the match entered its closing stages, the tension increased further and the decisive moment eventually arrived deep into stoppage time.
Bentayg was shown a red card late on, leaving Zamalek down to 10 men at a critical stage of the contest. The dismissal also led to a penalty for the visitors, presenting USM Alger with an opportunity to snatch victory away from home.
Khaldi stepped up calmly and converted the spot-kick with ease, beating the goalkeeper to give the Algerian side a crucial first-leg lead.
The late goal shifted momentum firmly in favour of USM Alger ahead of next week’s return fixture in the Egyptian capital. While the margin remains narrow, the Algerian club will travel to Cairo knowing they hold the advantage after a disciplined defensive performance and a dramatic finish.
Zamalek, meanwhile, face the challenge of recovering from a disappointing end to the first leg after failing to make the most of home advantage. The Egyptian side will now need a response in the second leg if they are to turn the final around and claim the Confederation Cup title.
