By ASSOCIATED PRESS

ALGIERS, Algeria (Interstat) — USM Alger hosts Zamalek SC on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final at Stade du 5 Juillet.

The matchup pits two African giants seeking a first continental title in a decade. USM Alger, the home side, arrives with mixed recent form but statistical odds in its favor. Zamalek, the Egyptian visitors and tournament favorites on paper, have shown defensive resilience but uneven domestic results.

Zamalek’s path

The White Knights enter after a 1-0 victory Tuesday over Smouha SC on a goal by forward Saïd El Wardi. That win halted a three-match winless run that included a 3-0 defeat May 1 to archrival Al Ahly and a scoreless draw April 27 with ENPPI. Over its last 10 competitive matches, Zamalek has allowed just 0.4 goals per game, anchored by goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal. But the club mustered only one goal against Al Ahly in three league encounters this season.

Zamalek’s away form is mixed: 1-1 draw at AS Otoho in March, 0-1 loss at ENPPI. However, it has won three of four road trips since February.

USM Alger’s form

The Algerian hosts last played April 11, a 1-0 win over OC Safi in which striker Abderrahmane Meziane scored the 67th-minute winner. That victory snapped a five-match losing streak in which USM Alger scored just two goals while conceding eight.

Since December, USM Alger has struggled for consistency, going 2-5-3 over its last 10 matches. Its defense has been porous, especially at home — allowing 1.6 goals per game in domestic competition. Striker Karim Zedadka remains the top threat, with seven goals in CAF competition this season.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw. Its ELO system gives USM Alger a 59.2 percent probability to win.

Next up

USM Alger hosts ES Mostaganem on Tuesday, May 12, then travels to USM Khenchela the same day. Zamalek does not have a match scheduled until the second leg May 16.