Moroccan fans cause trouble in South Africa and vandalise the stadium in Pretoria! Copy link

Cairo – African Stadiums
In a breathtaking match that kept Algerian fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moment, USM Alger successfully wrote a new golden chapter in African football history. The Red and Black secured the CAF Confederation Cup title following a thrilling penalty shootout victory (8 – 7) against Egypt’s Zamalek SC at the Cairo International Stadium, after the regular time ended in a 1 – 0 victory for Zamalek, tying the aggregate score at 1 – 1.

A Dramatic Scenario and Back to Square One

The “Soustara” boys entered the match with a mental and technical advantage after winning the first leg 1-0 at the 5 Juillet Stadium in Algiers. However, the winds at the Cairo International Stadium did not blow in USMA’s favor during the opening minutes. The hosts surprised the Algiers defense with intense pressure, resulting in an early penalty converted successfully by Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh in the 5th minute (5′).
This early goal brought the dream final back to square one on aggregate (1 – 1), igniting a fierce tactical and physical battle on the pitch. Despite the pressure, heroic defensive resilience from the likes of Radouani and Draoui kept Zamalek at bay for the remainder of the match, leading the game straight into a penalty shootout.

Penalties Smile upon the Red and Black

In a marathon penalty shootout that tested nerves rather than skill, USM Alger players maintained absolute calm, shifting the pressure onto their opponents. The decisive moment came during the eighth penalty kick, missed by Zamalek’s Mohamed Shehata, officially declaring USMA the winners with an (8 – 7) scoreline. Immediately, the Algerian stands in Cairo and the streets of Algiers erupted into joyous celebrations.

Official Match Facts:Goal Scorer (Zamalek): Oday Dabbagh in the 5th minute (Penalty).

‏ Man of the Match: The brilliant goalkeeper, Oussama Benbot, deservedly won the award following his heroic performance throughout the match and his crucial saves during the penalty shootout that guided USMA to the podium

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune Congratulates the Champions

Immediately following the final whistle and USMA’s continental coronation, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, congratulated the team via his official account, stating:

“Congratulations to USM Alger for this great and heroic African coronation, winning the Confederation Cup from the heart of Cairo. You have honored the national colors and brought joy to the Algerian people through your determination and resilience. All the best in your upcoming challenges, and may Algerian sports continue to shine.”

Algeria News portal:USM Alger made history after wining the CAF Confederation Cup trophy, cementing their reputation as one of the best football teams in Africa. Over the course of the competition, the Algerian big team exhibited grit, discipline, and persistence as they went up against some tough competitors from the continent.

In the first leg, that took place in the 5 July Stadium, Algeria, the Algerians had triumphed 1-0 and ended the game on a high note, looking forward to repeating the same feat in the second leg in Cairo International Stadium, Egypt.

الرئيس الجزائري #عبد_المجيد_تبون يهنئ أبطال أفريقيا
الرئيس تبون : ألف مبروك لاتحاد العاصمة 🇩🇿البطل، على افتكاكه #كأس_الكونفيدرالية_الإفريقية 🏆عن جدارة واستحقاق، بملعب القاهرة الدولي..تشريف تاريخي كبير للجزائر قاطبة..برافو (لياسما)..كل الشكر للاعبين والفنيين والتقنيين والجماهير… pic.twitter.com/jZEqwoC916

— بوابة الجزائر – Algeria Gate (@algatedz) May 16, 2026

🛑 احتفالات عارمة بالعاصمة الجزائر 🇩🇿 بعد تتويج اتحاد العاصمة بلقب كأس الكونفيدرالية الإفريقية للمرة الثانية في تاريخه #الجزائر pic.twitter.com/xCDhyUky2A

— بوابة الجزائر – Algeria Gate (@algatedz) May 16, 2026

In the second leg, the Egyptians equalized early into the game, but they refused to quit and took the game to penalty shootouts, and luck favored them, allowing them to lift the trophy.It was an honor not just for USMA but for Algerian football as well, with the outfit adding more continental success for the country once more.

With strong support from the fans as well as excellent teamwork and team spirit, USMA managed to make this history-making achievement possible.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Saturday the appointment of match officials for the two-legged final of the CAF Confederation Cup between USM Alger and Egypt’s Zamalek SC, scheduled for May 9 and 16.

The CAF Referees Committee has assigned the first leg, set for May 9 at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers (20:00), to Mauritanian international referee Dahane Beida. He will be assisted by:

First Assistant: Gerson Emiliano dos Santos (Angola)

Second Assistant: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)

Fourth Official: Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth will be managed by Daniel Laryea (Ghana), assisted by Beida Dahane (Mauritania) and Stephen Yiembe (Kenya).

The return leg, scheduled for May 16 at Cairo International Stadium, will be officiated by Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho, assisted by:

First Assistant: Boris Marlaise Ditsoga (Gabon)

Second Assistant: Amos Ndong (Gabon)

Fourth Official: Patrice Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)

Tunisian referee Haythem Guirat will lead the VAR team for the second leg, assisted by Maria Rivet and Carine Atezambong Fomo.

USM Alger secured their spot in the final after overcoming Olympic Safi (0-0, 1-1), while Zamalek reached the final stage at the expense of CR Belouizdad (0-1, 0-0).