History tilts odds in favor of Zamalek for CAF Cup

JOHANNESBRUG: History favors Egyptian club Zamalek when they seek to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Algerian visitors USM Alger on Saturday in the CAF Confederation Cup final second leg.
In 22 previous editions of the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League, three teams have built solitary-goal leads at home in the first leg of title deciders.
But Dolphins of Nigeria (2005), Club Africain of Tunisia (2011) and Renaissance Berkane of Morocco (2019) all surrendered their slim advantage after the return match.

Official:

Zamalek v USM Alger Confederation Cup final 2nd leg in Cairo is SOLD OUT.

Massive atmosphere expected as both sides battle for the trophy in front of a packed crowd.#CAFCCwithMicky pic.twitter.com/FXxxIpXWJK

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) May 15, 2026

Dolphins fell 3-0 at FAR Rabat of Morocco and Club Africain and Berkane lost penalty shootouts against MAS Fes of Morocco and Zamalek respectively following 1-0 losses.
Twice Confederation Cup winners, Zamalek are trailing ahead of the second leg in Cairo after a dramatic climax to the first encounter in Algeria last weekend.
Brazilian substitute Juan Bezerra netted in the first minute of added time, and celebrated what he and his teammates believed was the match winner.
But VAR officials intervened, informing the Mauritanian referee that USM substitute Rayane Mahrouz had been fouled in the Zamalek box prior to the goal.
The Zamalek goal was canceled and a penalty awarded to USM, which Ahmed Khaldi slammed past Mahdi Soliman to give the hosts a 98th-minute lead.
“Winning is the most important thing in a final, no matter the performance. We need to improve some technical issues,” Senegal-born USM coach Lamine N’Diaye told reporters.
“We should not