USM Alger were crowned 2026 CAF Confederation Cup champions after defeating Zamalek 8-7 on penalties in the final played at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night.
Zamalek won the second leg 1-0 thanks to an early penalty from Oday Al-Dabbagh, leveling the tie 1-1 on aggregate after USM Alger had won the first leg by the same score in Algeria.
With neither side able to score again, the match went to penalties where USM Alger held their nerve to secure victory in a dramatic shootout.
Mohamed Shehata missed Zamalek’s eighth penalty before USM Alger substitute Tending converted the winning spot-kick to seal the title.
The victory gives USM Alger their second CAF Confederation Cup title after first winning it in 2023. The Algerian side also qualifies for next season’s CAF Super Cup.
CAF confirmed that the winners will receive a record prize money of USD 4 million.
Zamalek started strongly in front of their home fans and took the lead in the fifth minute after Al-Dabbagh converted from the penalty spot.
The Egyptian giants pushed for a second goal but failed to break down a disciplined USM Alger side, who improved as the game progressed and created several chances through Ahmed Khaldi.
In the second half, USM Alger controlled possession while Zamalek looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Goalkeeper Osama Benbout made an important late save to deny Nasser Mansi and keep the Algerian side alive before penalties.
USM Alger eventually completed the job in the shootout to lift another continental trophy and write another chapter in the club’s history.
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