CAF Confederation Cup glory and a record USD 4 million first prize will be on the line when USM Alger host Zamalek SC in the first leg of the 2025/26 final in Algiers on Saturday.

The opening clash will be played at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 before the return leg takes place at the Cairo International Stadium on May 16.

Both sides are chasing another continental crown after recent success in the competition. USM lifted the title in 2023 after edging Tanzanian club Young Africans S.C. on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw in the final.

Zamalek won their maiden Confederation Cup crown in 2019 after defeating Moroccan side RS Berkane on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate stalemate. The Egyptian giants repeated the feat in 2024, again overcoming Berkane on away goals after the final ended 2-2 overall.

Road to final

Recent finals in the competition have been closely contested and another tight encounter is expected between the North African rivals.

Zamalek booked their place in the final after edging Algerian side CR Belouizdad 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals, with Brazilian forward Juan Alvina scoring the decisive away goal.

USM reached the final after eliminating Moroccan outfit Olympic Club Safi on away goals. The Algerians were held to a goalless draw at home before securing a 1-1 draw away to progress.

Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida will officiate the first leg in Algiers, while Gabonese official Pierre Atcho will take charge of the decisive second leg in Cairo.