Arjun Menon
USM Alger head coach N’Diaye insists his players arrive at the CAF Confederation Cup final against Zamalek already motivated — the occasion does that work on its own. After eliminating Olympic Safi in the semi-finals, the Algerian club now face the five-time African champions with a second Confederation Cup title in their sights. Zamalek are targeting a third, and the opening leg at the Olympic Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers on Saturday sets the stage before the return fixture in Cairo.
Get 200% Bonus up to $500 – World Cup 2026 on TipsGG × Stake
The World Cup 2026 is almost here. Follow every match with expert betting tips, live odds, and tournament news – all in one place. Bet smarter with Stake’s 200% Welcome Bonus up to $500.
The 69-year-old former Senegal international, who guided TP Mazembe to the Champions League title 16 years ago, pointed to the scarcity of continental final appearances as a natural fuel for his squad. Opportunities to compete at Zamalek‘s level do not come around often, and he believes that reality sharpens focus without any coaching intervention.
“You know, when you play a final, naturally, you do not even need to motivate the players. They are already motivated themselves,” N’Diaye told CAF media. “How many footballers spend their entire careers without reaching this level? I think around 90%, I would say. It is a celebration, a final, and a unique opportunity. Some of them ask themselves the question: will they play another continental final.”
His concern is the opposite of motivation. With enthusiasm running high and players eager to go into battle, the coaching staff’s priority is managing energy rather than generating it.
“I think that makes things easier for us from that point of view as well. It makes our work with the players easier. On the contrary, we have to control the energy because the enthusiasm is very high, and they want to go into battle. But we have to calm minds. The match must not be played before its time.”
N’Diaye also addressed preparation conditions. The squad is using the facilities of the Algeria national team at the National Teams Preparation Centre, giving him no room to cite logistical shortcomings as a factor.
“Preparations are going well. In fact, I would say they are going very well, because we are benefiting from the facilities at the National Teams Preparation Centre in Algeria. We are really in complete calm and we have everything we need to be in a clear state of mind. We are working calmly and peacefully, and we are in the environment we wanted. To sum it up, things are going very well.”
He also pushed back on the idea that the first leg result will define the tie. N’Diaye sees two full matches of maximum effort as the only path to the title for either side.
“The idea that this final will be decided in the first leg is not correct. There are two matches, and I believe both teams will have to be at their best, and I really mean at their best, in both matches if they hope to win.”
From the Egyptian camp, Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal pointed to his side’s continental pedigree while acknowledging USM Alger as a genuine threat. Several of his players were part of the squad that defeated CR Belouizdad in the semi-finals and previously lifted the Confederation Cup trophy against RS Berkane in 2024, giving Zamalek an experienced core heading into the final.
Confederation Cup trophy. Source: Official Facebook
“Of course, Zamalek have players with experience and international players. There is also a group of players in the team who previously played in the CAF Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane and won the title at that time. The new elements in the team also have experience and motivation to win their first continental title with Zamalek.”
Gamal acknowledged that Zamalek‘s preparation time was limited due to domestic league commitments, and he was direct about respecting the opposition.
“USM Alger are strong opponents and the match will be difficult. We respect the opposing team and we are following them closely. Zamalek‘s preparations have been short because of the team’s involvement in the league competition. USM Alger are a respectable team and they have respectable supporters. It will be a meeting between two brotherly teams, and I hope sportsmanship will prevail in the match, as was the case in Zamalek‘s two matches against CR Belouizdad in the semi-finals. I hope the match is played in an honourable manner that reflects well on Arab football.”
Stay with TipsGG for full coverage of both legs of the CAF Confederation Cup final, including match previews, odds analysis, and results.