USM Alger will look to seize a vital advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup final when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Saturday.
.gif)
Kick-off is at 9pm CAT
CURRENT FORM
Alger head into the final in solid form, remaining undefeated in their last four matches across all competitions and their most recent outing saw them secure a 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad in the Algerian Cup final on April 30.
The Algerian side advanced to the Confederation Cup final after edging out Moroccan side Olympic Safi on the away goals rule (1-1 aggregate) and are eyeing a third continental trophy following their 2023 Confederation Cup and Super Cup successes.
Zamalek, meanwhile, have been inconsistent leading into the decider, registering just their second win in four matches with a narrow 1-0 victory over Smouha on May 5, which ended a two-match winless streak.
The Egyptian giants reached the final by eliminating Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate and are targeting a record-equalling third Confederation Cup title.
TEAM NEWS
USM Alger are expected to have a fully fit squad available with no reported suspensions or major injuries, allowing coach Lamine N'Diaye to select his strongest team for the first-leg clash.
Zamalek will be without several key players due to injury with Omar Gaber, Ahmed Hossam, Juan Bezerra (pelvic injury), Mohamed El-Sayed (ankle sprain) and Mahmoud Bentayg (cut wound) doubtful after recent setbacks.
Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida will take charge of the first leg in Algeria, while Gabonese official Pierre Atcho has been appointed for the second leg in Egypt on May 16.
WHAT WAS SAID?
USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye
"Zamalek are in very good form, and they may win the Egyptian league, something that has not happened for a long time," N’Diaye told CAF Media.
"I do not remember how many years it has been since they won the Egyptian league. They really are a very strong team. We saw that in their run through the continental competition.
"They often win away from home or achieve very good results. We are on alert and we will try to make sure things go well for us."
Zamalek head coach Moatamed Gamal
"Zamalek are preparing seriously for the match given its importance, especially as it is a very important game and represents the first half of the final," Gamal told CAF Media.
"The team began preparations as soon as we arrived in Algeria on Wednesday, despite the fatigue of the players, especially as Zamalek played a match in the Egyptian league last Tuesday.
"We have closed the page on the league and are preparing for the first leg of the final against USM Alger in order to achieve a positive result and win, to move a step closer to claiming the African title. Our focus is currently on this match."
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the third meeting between USM Alger and Zamalek since their two group stage matches in the 2017 CAF Champions League.
Alger has the upper hand after claiming a 2-0 home win and then drawing 1-1 with Zamalek in Egypt.