The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final brings together two of Africa’s most historic and successful clubs as Algeria’s USM Alger face Egypt’s Zamalek SC in a two-legged battle for continental glory.

Beyond the prestige, this year’s winner will also take home a record USD 4 million prize, underlining the growing value and competitiveness of CAF interclub competitions.

First leg in Algiers sets the tone

The opening leg will be played at the iconic Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Saturday, with USM Alger enjoying home advantage in front of their passionate supporters.

USM will aim to build a strong first-leg result before travelling to Cairo, knowing how difficult it is to survive at the home of Zamalek in African finals.

The second leg will be staged at the intimidating Cairo International Stadium, where Zamalek’s supporters are expected to create a high-pressure atmosphere for the visitors.

Recent champions with winning mentality

Both clubs come into the final with strong recent pedigree in the competition:

• USM Alger lifted the trophy in 2023 after defeating Young Africans on away goals in a dramatic final.
• Zamalek SC have won the competition twice in recent years (2019 and 2024), both times in extremely tight finals decided by small margins such as penalties and away goals.

This shared history of narrow victories highlights just how evenly matched these teams are in knockout football.

Path to the final

USM Alger’s journey

USM Alger reached the final in dramatic fashion, surviving a tough semi-final against Morocco’s Olympic Club Safi. After a 0–0 home draw, they secured a crucial 1–1 away result, progressing on away goals.

Their defensive discipline has been a key feature throughout the tournament, conceding very few goals in knockout stages.

Zamalek SC’s route

Zamalek SC booked their place by eliminating CR Belouizdad of Algeria in a tightly contested semi-final. A decisive away goal scored by Brazilian forward Juan Alvina proved the difference in a 1–0 aggregate victory.

Their ability to perform in high-pressure away fixtures has been one of their biggest strengths this season.

Key tactical battle

This final is expected to be decided by fine margins:

• USM Alger will likely rely on structure, defensive organisation, and quick transitions.
• Zamalek SC tend to play with more attacking freedom, especially through wide areas and set pieces.

Set pieces, away goals, and defensive concentration could all prove decisive over the two legs.

Players to watch (key influences)

While both squads are balanced, a few types of players will likely shape the outcome:

• Zamalek’s attacking midfield creativity, especially in breaking compact defences
• USM Alger’s central defensive pairing and goalkeeper, crucial for maintaining clean sheets
• Transition attackers on both sides who can exploit counter-attacking moments

Refereeing and discipline

• First leg referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
• Second leg referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)

With two legs likely to be tight, discipline and control could become just as important as attacking quality.

What’s at stake

Beyond the trophy itself, this final represents:

• Continental prestige for two of Africa’s biggest clubs
• A record financial reward of USD 4 million
• Continued dominance of North African clubs in CAF competitions
• Legacy-defining moments for players and coaches on both sides

Final outlook

With both teams already proven winners and the margins between them historically razor-thin, this final is expected to be another classic CAF showdown.

Whether decided by a single goal, an away-goals twist, or extra-time drama, USM Alger and Zamalek SC are set to deliver a final that could go right down to the wire. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, visit www.jymultimedia.com