USM Alger coach Lamine N'Diaye is finalizing preparations in Cairo, Egypt, as the team gears up for the second leg match of the CAF Cup final. These key preparations began on Thursday, ahead of the critical encounter scheduled to take place in 72 hours. The team's full commitment to the decisive match is evident, having arrived in the Egyptian capital yesterday with a complete squad. This arrival follows the first leg of the final against Zamalek, which was played five days prior, setting the stage for an intense return fixture.
Tactical Focus and Player Fitness
USM Alger coach Lamine N'Diaye intends to test various tactical approaches, carefully considering the outcome of the first leg and Zamalek's known fast forward play. The team's strategy will specifically emphasize strengthening the midfield and executing swift counter-attacks, leveraging the considerable speed of player Khaldi. In a recent Ligue Professionnelle 1 match against RC Relizane, USM Alger strategically deployed reserve players. This deliberate decision aimed to preserve the fitness of key players for the upcoming second leg of the CAF Cup final against Zamalek. During the league fixture, goalkeeper Saifour played, allowing first-choice goalkeeper Ben Bot to rest and ensure he is in prime condition for the final. For the key second leg, two notable players, Abada and Azzi, will not be involved in the squad. In preparation for the decisive match, the medical staff is actively working to prepare Mohamed El-Sayed, who is recovering from an injury. His potential inclusion would significantly bolster the squad's options for the critical encounter.
Training Schedule and Venue
USM Alger's first training session in Cairo is scheduled for today at the 'Air Defense' secondary field. The team's intensive preparations will continue with a second session on Friday. That training is set to take place at the iconic Cairo International Stadium, commencing at 8 PM Algeria time, which corresponds to 9 PM Cairo time. These sessions are vital for the team to adapt to the local conditions and fine-tune their tactical approach.
Match Officials and Zamalek's Situation
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has meticulously appointed Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Oubou as the referee for the upcoming match. He will be competently assisted by Boris Marlaise Ditsouga and Amos Abigain Ndong. Tanguy Patrice Mebiam is designated as the fourth official, ready to step in if required. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, key for modern football, will be overseen by Haythem Guirat from Tunisia, with Maria Rivet of Mauritius and Karen Fomo Atzembong from Cameroon serving as assistant VAR referees. Mohamed Moumin Ali from Djibouti will act as the general supervisor, ensuring all match protocols are followed, and Lemghifri Bouchaab of Mauritania is the referee supervisor, overseeing the officiating team.
Meanwhile, Zamalek resumed their own preparations today with a closed camp held at the Military Academy stadium. The Zamalek players returned to Cairo on Sunday after participating in the first leg match on Saturday, giving them a few days to recover and regroup. Zamalek will face two significant absences for the final; left-back Mahmoud Ben Tayeh is unavailable due to a red card received in the first leg, a considerable blow to their defensive lineup. Additionally, defender Hossam Abdelmaguid is also out due to accumulated yellow cards, further impacting their squad depth. These absences will undoubtedly test Zamalek's resilience and tactical flexibility in the highly anticipated final.