Zamalek SC will be backed by a capacity crowd when they host USM Alger in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Final after authorities approved full attendance at Cairo International Stadium.
The Egyptian club received approval for 46,200 supporters to attend the decisive encounter, allowing the stadium to operate at full capacity for one of the biggest matches of Zamalek’s season.
The majority of the tickets will be allocated to home supporters, with approximately 44,200 Zamalek fans expected inside the stadium. Around 2,000 seats have been reserved for supporters of the Algerian side.
The arrangements were confirmed during organisational meetings held ahead of the final, where officials discussed several logistical matters connected to the match.
Those discussions included stadium gate opening times, security procedures and designated entry points for both Zamalek and USM Alger supporters as authorities prepare for a high-profile continental fixture expected to attract significant attention.
The atmosphere in Cairo is expected to be intense as Zamalek attempt to overturn the deficit suffered in the first leg in Algeria.
The Egyptian side lost the opening match 1-0 on Saturday evening, leaving them needing a two-goal victory in the return leg if they are to secure the Confederation Cup title.
The result in Algiers has increased the pressure on Zamalek ahead of next Saturday’s decisive contest, scheduled to kick off at 9pm local time.
Despite the setback, the Cairo club can draw confidence from previous experiences in the competition. Zamalek lifted the Confederation Cup title in both 2019 and 2024 after defeating RS Berkane in repeated finals.
Those victories reinforced the club’s reputation as one of the strongest sides in African club football and demonstrated its ability to respond in difficult continental encounters.
Now, Zamalek are aiming to win the competition for a third time in their history, with home support expected to play a crucial role in their attempt to complete another comeback.
The presence of more than 44,000 Zamalek supporters could provide a significant advantage for the Egyptian side as they seek to apply pressure on USM Alger from the opening stages of the match.
For the Algerian club, however, the narrow first-leg victory means they travel to Cairo with a valuable advantage and the belief that they can complete the task away from home.
USM Alger will also have the backing of a travelling support of 2,000 fans, although they are expected to face a hostile atmosphere inside one of Africa’s largest stadiums.
The return leg is already being viewed as one of the most anticipated matches of the African club season, with the trophy still within reach for both sides.
Zamalek’s players will enter the contest knowing that only victory can keep their hopes alive, while USM Alger will attempt to protect their slender lead and claim a major continental title.
With full attendance now officially confirmed, Cairo International Stadium is expected to provide a dramatic setting for the conclusion of this year’s Confederation Cup final.
