USM Alger target second CAF Super Cup as Sundowns reunion looms

USM Alger will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Super Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday at 3pm, with the Algerian club aiming to win the trophy for a second time and avenge two defeats by Masandawana in the CAF Champions League six years ago.

Here are five key facts about the Algerian side before the final.

Defending their Super Cup record

USM Alger are competing for their second CAF Super Cup. Their previous success came in 2023, when they beat Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly 1–0 to lift the trophy.

A victory on Sunday would therefore give the club a second title in the competition, while also adding to the continental trophy they secured by winning the CAF Confederation Cup.

Dramatic route to the final

USM Alger booked their place in the Super Cup after a tense Confederation Cup final against Zamalek.

The Algerian side and the Egyptian club drew 1–1 on aggregate before USM Alger prevailed 8–7 in a penalty shootout.

Previous meetings with Sundowns

The two clubs have met twice before in an official CAF competition.

Those matches came in the 2019/20 CAF Champions League group stage, when Sundowns won both encounters.

USM Alger will now have the opportunity to change that record when the sides meet again in Sunday’s final.

Prize money at stake

The winners will receive $500,000 (about R8.2m).

The losing finalists will collect $250,000 (R4.1m), meaning there is a $250,000 difference between victory and defeat in the final.

Experienced coach in charge

USM Alger are managed by Senegalese tactician Lamine N’Diaye, who has an extensive record in African club football.

N’Diaye is renowned across the continent for having previously won the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup.