USM Alger secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Zamalek SC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, held at Stade 5 Juillet on Saturday night.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time, when a VAR review overturned a late goal and awarded a penalty to the Algerian side.
Ahmed Khaldi converted from the spot in the 97th minute to give USM Alger a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.
The match saw early pressure from Zamalek, who created several dangerous opportunities, including an early chance for Shikabala Banza in the opening minutes. However, the Egyptian side failed to capitalize on their attacking spells.
USM Alger improved after the break and threatened repeatedly, with Zamalek goalkeeper Mahdi Suleiman producing key saves to keep his team in the game.
The match turned tense in the final stages after a VAR intervention ruled out a Zamalek goal and instead awarded the decisive penalty to the hosts.
Zamalek will now look to overturn the deficit in the second leg, which is scheduled to take place at Cairo International Stadium next Saturday.
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