Algerian Radio
Following a suspenseful finale, USM Alger took a step toward securing the CAF Confederation Cup title by defeating Egypt's Zamalek SC 1-0 (halftime: 0-0) on Saturday evening at the 5 July Olympic Stadium in Algiers, in the first leg of the final.
In a packed stadium, the first real chance of the match actually went to the Egyptian club. In the 6th minute, Angolan Chico Banza penetrated the penalty area before unleashing a dangerous strike, but goalkeeper Oussama Benbot stretched out perfectly to deflect the ball out for a corner.
The Algiers side tried to respond gradually and created their first scare in the 16th minute. From a shot by Zakaria Draoui, the ball went just wide of the opponent's post.
Despite clear control of the ball, the USMA players struggled to unbalance the tactically disciplined Cairo block. Senegalese coach Lamine N'diaye's players monopolized the ball with nearly 70% possession, without, however, managing to get a single shot on target during this first half.
Just before the break, the Red and Blacks nearly found the breakthrough from a set piece. Following a well-executed free kick by Brahim Benzaza, Ahmed Khaldi met the ball with a header, but his attempt went over the crossbar (43').
Defensively well-organized, the Egyptians managed to contain the USMA attacks and wait for counter-attacking opportunities in a first half that had thus far been tight and highly tactical.
Khaldi Delivers for His Team in Crunch Time
The match livened up after the teams returned from the locker rooms. The Algiers team first tried to look dangerous in the 50th minute when Ivorian Dramane Kamagaté struggled to connect with a low, hard cross from the right, failing to hit the target.
But the Egyptian response was immediate and particularly dangerous.
Two minutes later, Chico Banza, highly visible for Zamalek, bypassed goalkeeper Benbot before shooting towards the empty net, but Dehiri made a crucial goal-line clearance (52').
More enterprising than in the first half, the Cairo players posed more problems for the USMA defense, while the Red and Blacks continued to lack precision in the final third.
In the 65th minute, Khaldi had a great opportunity in the box, but his decision to use his head, instead of controlling the ball and shooting, did not trouble the Egyptian goalkeeper, El-Mahdi Soliman.
It took until the last twenty minutes to see USMA truly step up their game. Driven by their fans, the Algiers players increased the pressure from the 70th minute by multiplying their attacks in the opponent's half.
While the match seemed to be heading toward a goalless draw, the scenario completely flipped in stoppage time. Zamalek first thought they had snatched the victory thanks to Brazilian Bezerra, who scored in the 90+1 minute following a loss of possession by Dehiri.
But after the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida went to check the monitor and ultimately disallowed the goal due to a prior foul on Rayane Mahrouz in the penalty area.
Immediately following this, a penalty was awarded to USMA. Khaldi stepped up to take it and coolly converted the spot-kick (90+7'), securing a precious victory for his team in this first leg.
This success allows the Algerians to approach the return leg with confidence, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at the Cairo International Stadium (7:00 p.m., Algerian time).
