Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gawhar Nabil, has moved to reinforce support for Zamalek SC ahead of the club’s crucial CAF Confederation Cup final against USM Alger in Algeria.
The minister’s intervention comes as preparations intensify for Saturday’s first-leg encounter at the iconic 5 July Stadium, where Zamalek will attempt to secure a positive result before the decisive return match in Cairo on 16 May.
According to reports, Gawhar Nabil held a telephone discussion with Egypt’s ambassador to Algeria, Abdel Latif Al-Layeh, to assess the conditions surrounding Zamalek’s delegation and ensure that all logistical and security arrangements had been finalised before the high-profile continental fixture.
The Egyptian official is said to have sought reassurance that the team would receive the necessary support during their stay in Algeria, while also monitoring arrangements for Egyptian supporters expected to attend the final.
During the conversation, Ambassador Al-Layeh reportedly confirmed that the Egyptian embassy in Algeria had provided full backing to the Zamalek delegation. He also stated that preparations had been made to facilitate the attendance of Egyptian fans travelling for the match, including members of the Egyptian community based in Algeria as well as supporters arriving from Egypt specifically for the occasion.
The embassy is understood to be coordinating efforts to ensure supporters can enter the stadium smoothly and safely, underlining the importance attached to the final by Egyptian authorities and football supporters alike.
The first leg of the Confederation Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 10 pm Cairo time on Saturday, with the second leg taking place at Cairo International Stadium next week.
Gawhar Nabil also reportedly expressed confidence in Zamalek’s ability to achieve a positive result away from home, believing a strong performance in Algeria could place the Egyptian side in a favourable position ahead of the return fixture in Cairo.
For Zamalek, the final represents an opportunity to strengthen their continental legacy and secure another African title after what has been a demanding domestic campaign.
The Cairo-based club enters the two-legged showdown under pressure to deliver silverware for supporters eager to see the team restore its dominance on the continental stage.
However, the challenge facing Zamalek is expected to be significant. USM Alger have impressed throughout the tournament and will be determined to take advantage of home conditions and passionate support at the 5 July Stadium.
The Algerian side are aiming to build a decisive advantage before travelling to Egypt for the second leg, setting the stage for what many consider one of the standout African club fixtures of the year.
The final has generated growing anticipation across North Africa, with both clubs carrying strong continental ambitions and large fan bases.
As kickoff approaches, attention is focused not only on the tactical battle between the two sides, but also on the extensive preparations taking place behind the scenes to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.
For Zamalek, the mission is straightforward: return from Algeria with a result capable of keeping their hopes of lifting the CAF Confederation Cup alive before the decisive night in Cairo.
