Drama in Cairo as USM Alger defeats Zamalek on penalties to lift Confederation Cup

...Likonza the hero in shootout thriller 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

 

USM Alger were crowned champions of Africa once again after surviving a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat Zamalek SC 8-7 and lift the Confederation Cup title at the roaring Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night.

The Algerian giants arrived in Cairo carrying a slender advantage from the first leg after a controversial stoppage-time penalty had handed them a 1-0 victory at home. 

But the atmosphere quickly shifted when Zamalek struck inside five minutes. 

The hosts wasted little time in making their intent clear, piling early pressure on USM Alger's defence.

Palestinian midfielder Adam Kaied was brought down inside the area by Cameroonian defender Che Malone, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh calmly converted from the spot to level the tie on aggregate and ignite the home crowd.

Driven by the deafening support of their fans, Zamalek pushed forward in search of a second goal, but USM Alger remained composed and disciplined. 

The visitors absorbed wave after wave of pressure while threatening on the counter-attack.

After the restart, USM Alger nearly found a crucial equaliser when Ahmed Khaldi, the hero from the first leg, fired narrowly wide, sending a warning to the Egyptian side that the contest was far from over.

With neither team able to break the deadlock after regulation time, the final headed into a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. 

Both sides showed remarkable composure as the first seven penalties were converted flawlessly.

The decisive moment finally arrived when Mohamed Shehata failed to convert Zamalek’s eighth kick, opening the door for USM Alger. 

Congolese midfielder Glody Likonza stepped forward and coolly buried the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters and players in Cairo.

The victory sealed USM Alger’s second Confederation Cup crown, adding to their historic triumph in 2023 and further cementing their growing reputation as one of Africa’s rising continental forces.

The Algerian side will receive $4 million, while Zamalek will bag $2 million, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) doubled the competition’s prize money.