By Bonface Mulyungi

USM Alger won the African Confederation Cup title after ​beating Egypt’s Zamalek 8-7 in a ‌penalty shootout in the second leg of the final on Saturday, overcoming a 1-0 ​defeat on the night to prevail ​on aggregate.

The Algerian side had secured a ⁠1-0 win from a controversial stoppage-time ​penalty in the first leg.

Zamalek struck ​early when Oday Dabbagh converted a fifth-minute penalty, but the hosts, relying largely on counter-attacks, were ​unable to extend their advantage.

USM Alger ​came close to equalising after the break, with Ahmed ‌Khaldi — ⁠scorer of the winner in the first leg — sending an effort narrowly wide.

With the tie level on aggregate, the ​match went ​to penalties, ⁠where both sides converted their first seven kicks.

Zamalek’s Mohamed Shehata ​then missed the eighth attempt ​before ⁠Glody Likonza sealed victory for the visitors, sparking celebrations among USM Alger supporters at ⁠Cairo ​International Stadium.

The triumph marked ​USM Alger’s second Confederation Cup title following their success ​in 2023.