On the 16th of May, 2026, the deafening noise of passionate fans echoed through the state-of-the-art surfaces of Cairo International Stadium. 70,000 fanatical fans led hours of synchronized singing, jumping, and chanting that rang through the Egyptian heat.
A sea of the red and black colours of the away supporters and the traditional white of the home crowd made the CAF Confederation Cup final grand finale an aesthetically pleasing visual experience. It felt as intense as a Cairo derby.
This was a match that transcended beyond football fields. Algeria and Egypt have experienced significant political tensions in the past, alternating between periods of close alliance and intense diplomatic rifts.
Bright lights shone down on Zamalek FC as they walked out of the tunnel to the ear-piercing cheers of their adoring fans. Their opponents certainly felt the weight of the occasion. USM Alger courageously carried the hopes of Algeria on their broad shoulders and appeared ready for whatever drama that this glorious night had in store.
The first leg of this great spectacle had showcased the fine lines between glory and despair. The emotional highs of winning and the heartbreak of losing, just seconds before the final whistle.
Ahmed Khaldi’s dramatic 98th minute winner at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers still lingered in the minds of The White Knights. The pain stayed fresh in the hearts of their supporters.
CAF Confederation Cup final turns into penalty battle in Cairo
The home team took the lead as early as the 5th minute after Adam Kaied was tripped up in the 18-yard area by Che Malone Junior, leading to a penalty kick. Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot to make it 1-0 to the hosts.
With the tie level on aggregate, both teams understood that there was little room for errors. Precision and structured planning became the only safety nets for both coaches.
The 1-1 aggregate score line remained for 90 minutes which brought the inevitability of a high-pressure penalty shootout in the cool Saturday night breeze of Cairo.
The shootout was flawless, with both sides scoring their first 15 combined attempts in a row. The penalties were smashed into the top corners or driven hard and low. The precision of the shooters eliminated the reaction time of both goalkeepers. The speed of the shots kept beating their dives even when they guessed correctly.
The decisive moment came when Zamalek FC’s stand-in captain, Mohamed Shehata, attempted a composed finish and watched in agony as his penalty sailed over the crossbar.
Glody Likonza stepped up next. The Congolese central midfielder walked towards the spot with his heart pounding in his chest, carrying the full weight of the moment.
In that instant, time stood still inside the CAF Confederation Cup arena.
The silence broke with the joyous screams of the travelling supporters who had just witnessed the winning penalty. A defining moment in USM Alger’s football history.
An unforgettable night for The Sons of Soustara, who secured their second ever CAF Confederation Cup title.
What a night in Egypt’s capital.
