USM Alger Coach: Qualification Not Decided Yet... We Expect a Tough Battle in Cairo

Lamine N'Diaye, the head coach of the Algerian team USM Alger, refused to consider his team's victory over Zamalek as a final step towards winning the CAF Confederation Cup, emphasizing that the decision is still postponed until the anticipated return match in Cairo.

USM Alger succeeded in securing a valuable 1-0 victory over Zamalek during the match that brought the two teams together on Saturday evening at the July 5 Stadium, in the first leg of the continental championship final.

N'Diaye explained, in statements reported by the Algerian newspaper Al-Nahar, that his team achieved an important result against an opponent with significant experience at the African level, while emphasizing at the same time that the confrontation is not over yet, despite his team's advantage before the return match.

The Senegalese coach pointed out that the technical staff will work in the coming period to address some of the mistakes that appeared in the first leg, in addition to mentally preparing the players for the Cairo match, which is expected to take place in front of a massive crowd of up to 80,000 spectators.

Ndaye emphasized that his players are required to maintain focus and calm in a challenging crowd atmosphere, noting that the team is just 90 minutes away from winning the title, and everyone will fight to bring the cup back to Algeria.

The USM Alger coach made sure to thank his players for the strong performance they delivered against Zamalek, praising the significant role played by the Algerian fans in supporting the team from the stands, emphasizing that they were one of the main reasons for achieving victory.

Zamalek is scheduled to host USM Alger on May 16 at Cairo Stadium in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.

Zamalek needs to win by more than one goal to clinch the continental title, while USM Alger only needs a draw in the return match to secure the championship.