Soccer-Late penalty hands USM Alger lead over Zamalek in Confederation Cup final

Hosts USM Alger converted ​a controversial stoppage-time penalty ​to edge Egyptian ‌giants Zamalek ​1-0 in Saturday’s first leg of the African Confederation Cup final ‌at the Stade du 5 Juillet in the Algerian capital Algiers. Zamalek previously ⁠won the Confederation Cup in 2019 and 2024, while USMA were victors in 2023.

Hosts USM Alger converted ​a controversial stoppage-time penalty ​to edge Egyptian ‌giants Zamalek ​1-0 in Saturday’s first leg of the African Confederation Cup final ‌at the Stade du 5 Juillet in the Algerian capital Algiers. Ahmed Khaldi converted the spot kick after Zamalek thought they ‌had snatched a late winner through Brazilian substitute ‌Juan Alvina, who ran half the length of the pitch to tuck away a superb individual effort.

But the strike was ruled out ⁠and ​play was ⁠brought back for a foul in the build-up when VAR found ⁠Hossam Abdelmaguid had caught Rayane Mahrouz with a knee in ​the back. Early in the second half, Zamalek’s Angolan import ⁠Chico Banza had a looping effort over USMA goalkeeper Oussama Benbot ⁠cleared ​off the line by defender Hocine Dehiri

USMA enjoyed fervent support but will now be up against ⁠it in Cairo when Zamalek host the second leg next ⁠Saturday. Zamalek previously ⁠won the Confederation Cup in 2019 and 2024, while USMA were victors in 2023. (Writing ‌by Mark ‌Gleeson in Johannesburg; Editing ​by Ken Ferris)