USM Alger coach, Lamine Ndiaye, has warned that his side face a “very difficult” challenge against Egypt’s Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup final, after guiding the Algerian club through a tough semi-final against Olympique Safi.
The Senegalese coach was speaking after his team secured qualification with a 1-1 draw in Morocco, progressing on away goals following a goalless first leg in Algiers.
The result sets up a highly anticipated North African final, with the first leg scheduled for early May in Algeria and the return match a week later in Cairo.
Despite the achievement, Ndiaye acknowledged that the semi-final had tested his players both physically and mentally, particularly due to repeated disruptions during the second leg in Safi.
The match had been delayed and interrupted, affecting the flow of play and the concentration of both teams.
Ndiaye praised his players for their resilience in difficult conditions, describing the match as “a real battle” and highlighting the importance of maintaining balance under pressure.
“The credit goes to the players,” Ndiaye said to the media. “They showed character and discipline, even when the match became complicated. We achieved a well-deserved qualification despite the circumstances we faced,”
Looking ahead to the final, Ndiaye was cautious in his assessment of USM Alger’s chances, emphasising the quality and experience of their opponents.
Zamalek reached the final after eliminating CR Belouizdad, and boast one of the strongest defensive records in the competition.
“The final will not be easy for either team,” Ndiaye said. “Zamalek are a great club with a lot of experience in African competitions. We will prepare well and approach the matches with the seriousness they deserve.”
USM Alger, who lifted the Confederation Cup title in 2022-2023, are now aiming to become the first Algerian club to win the competition twice. Their journey to the final has been built on discipline, efficiency and the ability to manage high-pressure situations, particularly away from home.
For Ndiaye, the focus now shifts to ensuring his players recover quickly and prepare tactically for a two-legged final that is expected to be finely.
With both teams bringing strong defensive organisation and continental pedigree into the final, the stage is set for a compelling battle that will capture the attention of African football fans across the continent.