USM Alger secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Zamalek SC in their 2026 CAF Confederation Cup Final first leg clash at the Stade du 5 Juillet.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida awarded a controversial penalty to the Algerian side following a VAR review.
Ahmed Khaldi converted from the spot to hand USM Alger a narrow advantage heading into the return leg.
Earlier in the encounter, Zamalek had a goal ruled out, a decision that further fueled frustration among the Egyptian club and its supporters.
The match also saw Zamalek reduced to nine men after receiving two red cards during a tense and heated contest.
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Played in front of an official crowd of 50,000 fans, the match has since sparked widespread debate, with Zamalek officials and supporters expressing strong dissatisfaction with the officiating.
Their main grievance centers on the stoppage-time VAR intervention that overturned what they believed could have been a decisive goal before USM Alger were awarded a penalty moments later.
Zamalek now face a difficult task in Cairo when the teams return to action – on May 16 – for the second leg at the Cairo International Stadium.
A crowd of 46,200 fans is expected for the decisive showdown.
The Egyptian giants must avoid conceding against USM Alger as it would force Zamalek to win by at least a two-goal margin to lift the trophy.
