Arjun Menon
Zamalek and Alger face off at Cairo International Stadium for the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final. This isn’t just another continental showdown—Zamalek is fighting to overturn a first-leg deficit in front of a massive home crowd, while Alger’s cautious, pragmatic football has already paid dividends. The Egyptian side’s coach Motamed Gamal has been on the hot seat, and he knows a trophy would silence critics. On the opposite side, Lamine N’Diaye is known for squeezing the most out of his squad, and one more solid display might bring him continental glory. There’s real tension simmering here, and one moment could tip the balance.
One player whose recent numbers jump off the page is Alger’s A. Khaldi, netting three goals in his last three appearances. For Zamalek, Chico Banza’s work rate and knack for winning free kicks could be a real thorn for the visitors. Both men shape the tempo in different ways.
Hot stat: Zamalek’s 2099 passes in their last five games are nearly 40% higher than Alger’s 1509, yet with less scoring success—emphasizing Zamalek’s ball-heavy, possession approach that so far hasn’t cracked the Alger backline.
| 🏆 Tournament: | CAF Confederation Cup Final 2025/26 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Cairo International Stadium, Cairo |
| 🗓️ Date: | 16.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 20:00 CEST |
Zamalek vs Alger prediction
Best value? Both Teams To Score—No. The first leg finished 1-0 to Alger, and both teams have shown a preference for defensive setups, with Zamalek’s recent matches featuring low scores and only two goals in their last five games. Alger’s defensive discipline has been outstanding, allowing just two goals in their last five. We think a cagey affair is on the cards, with both sides unlikely to take big risks early. Zamalek’s high possession rarely turns into clear-cut chances, while Alger’s counterattacks are sharp but measured.
Both teams rack up fouls: Zamalek with 73, Alger with 29 in their previous five. Yellow cards are frequent, especially for Zamalek (14), hinting at frustration or tactical fouls when losing possession. Ball progression is more labored for Zamalek—pass accuracy at 77%—while Alger, with 82%, prefer quick, incisive passing and fewer risky touches. These styles collide, and the result is often stop-start, nervy football with little room for flowing attacks. Expect a tense, disrupted rhythm.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Alger to win to nil |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Under 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Zamalek’s recent games show a team struggling to impose their attacking will. The last match against Alger ended 0-1, a frustrating result that highlighted their lack of finishing quality. Smouha (1-0) was a narrow, scrappy win, while the 0-3 hammering by Al Ahly still stings. Draws against Enppi and a single-goal win against Pyramids sum up a squad that’s high on possession but low on goal threat. Midfielders like Mohamed Shehata and Abdallah El-Said are busy, but the final ball is missing. Defensively, they can be caught out by pace, and they have a habit of picking up cards under pressure.
Alger, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last five. Their 1-0 win over Zamalek in the first leg was textbook—absorb, frustrate, then strike when the moment comes. A 1-1 with ES Mostaganem was less convincing, but the 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad and a 3-1 result against Batna showed some attacking spark. Olympique de Safi (1-1) proved stubborn, but Alger rarely look rattled. The team is compact, the defensive line disciplined, and A. Khaldi’s recent scoring streak is the x-factor. Lamine N’Diaye’s system is not flashy, but it’s so effective against teams that overcommit.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Zamalek | Alger |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 66 | 74 |
| Corner kicks | 37 | 22 |
| Total fouls | 73 | 29 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 77 | 82 |
| Interceptions | 57 | 19 |
| Offsides | 6 | 3 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Zamalek vs Alger stats page for more info.
Possible Starting Lineups
Zamalek possible starting eleven
- GK: Mahdi Soliman
- DF: Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Abou El Fotouh, Mahmoud El Wensh, Mohamed Ismail
- MF: Mohamed Shehata, Abdallah El-Said, Ahmed Rabie
- FW: Chico Banza, Oday Dabagh, Juan Alvina
Soliman’s safe hands have bailed out the defense several times this season, and Abdelmaguid marshals the backline with confidence. Abou El Fotouh and El Wensh offer experience, while Ismail’s pace could help track Alger’s counters. In midfield, Shehata and El-Said are the engines, with Rabie tasked to break lines. Up top, Banza’s movement, Dabagh’s directness, and Alvina’s creativity give Zamalek options, but finishing is a worry. Expect a 4-2-3-1, but Gamal might switch to a back three if they’re chasing the result.
Alger possible starting eleven
- GK: Ilyes Chetti
- DF: H. Dehiri
- FW: A. Khaldi, Riad Benayad
Chetti is a reliable presence in goal. Dehiri and Chetti (often used in defense) anchor the line, with Benayad providing support. Alger typically go 4-2-3-1, mirroring Zamalek, but they’re more reactive. A. Khaldi’s hot streak up front is impossible to ignore—he’ll be watched closely. The rest of the squad is settled, with N’Diaye rarely springing surprises. Discipline and structure are the hallmarks here.
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Alger. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
TipsGG Match Prediction
We think this is set up for a tense, frustrating night for Zamalek. Alger’s compact shape and recent form look enough to see them over the line. Zamalek will see plenty of the ball but lack the ruthlessness to break through. The most probable result: a low-scoring draw or even another slim Alger win. TipsGG punters are backing Under 2.5 goals and Alger to keep a clean sheet, with Khaldi the most likely game-winner if there’s a deciding moment. This could get nervy, and tempers might flare—expect cards, not goals.
