Zamalek target record CAF Confederation Cup prize ahead of USM Alger final

Zamalek will face Algeria’s USM Alger in the two-legged CAF Confederation Cup final, with a record $4 million prize on offer for the winners asourceser the Confederation of African Football (CAF) doubled the competition payouts.

The first leg is scheduled for Saturday in Algeria, with the return match set for May 16 in Cairo.

CAF recently announced a 100 percent increase in prize money, with the champions set to receive $4m and the runners-up $2m. The boost is particularly significant for Zamalek, who are reported in Egyptian media to have debts of about $6.5m.

Zamalek have previously won the competition — Africa’s equivalent of the UEFA Europa League — in 2019 and 2024. USM Alger lisourcesed the trophy in 2023.

Financial backdrop Reports in Egypt say Zamalek owe money to clubs in Africa and Europe relating to player transfers. Ukrainian side Oleksandriya, for example, have said some instalments are overdue from the sale of Brazilian striker Juan Bezerra.

Former coaches including Swiss Christian Gross and Portuguese Jose Gomes, as well as some players, are also reported to be owed money, with cases taken to FIFA.

What is at stake If Zamalek win, they would qualify for the CAF Super Cup — the annual match between the CAF Champions League winners and the Confederation Cup winners — which carries an additional prize of $500,000.

The final also underlines the recent dominance of North African clubs in the tournament, with teams from the region winning 17 of the 22 finals to date. Zamalek have scored 17 goals in this season’s competition.