Algerian Radio
USMA won the 2026 edition of the CAF Confederation Cup (C3) after defeating Egypt’s Zamalek SC 8-7 on penalties in the second leg of the final, played Saturday evening at the Cairo Olympic Stadium.
Having lost the first leg 1-0 in Algiers a week ago, the Egyptians leveled the aggregate score early in the match, converting a penalty in the fifth minute through their Palestinian international, Oday Debbagh.
Despite this early setback, the Algiers-based side never lost their composure, remaining well-organized on the pitch. They demonstrated great tactical discipline, which allowed them to deliver a strong performance and create several clear scoring opportunities.
The best chances fell to Dehiri, via a direct free kick in the 20th minute, and especially to the relentless Ahmed Khaldi in the 24th, 43rd, 54th, and 68th minutes. His long-range efforts from the edge of the penalty area seriously threatened the Egyptian goalkeeper.
With no further goals before the final whistle, the aggregate score remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
In this high-pressure exercise, fortune favored the "Rouge et Noir" (Red and Blacks). Displaying remarkable skill and composure, they successfully converted all their penalties to emerge victorious with an 8-7 scoreline.
The scorers for USMA were, in order: Draoui, Khaldi, Radouani, Benayad, Locif, Chetti, Dehiri, and finally Likonza, who netted the decisive penalty that secured the title.
On the Egyptian side, Abdallah Saïd, Esho, Hossam Abdelmajeed, Nacer Mensi, Seif-Eddine El Djaziri, Juan Alvina Bezerra, and Mohamed Abdallah El Saïd all beat goalkeeper Oussama Benbot. However, Zamalek’s final kicker, captain Mohamed Shehata, missed the target, sealing the victory for USMA.
This marks USMA second title in the competition, following their first triumph in 2023.
