Mamelodi Sundowns held by USM Alger in thrilling CAF Super Cup contest

The Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria is hosting the CAF Super Cup on Sunday, with Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning African Champions League winners, facing USM Alger, holders of the CAF Confederation Cup.

USM Alger have already shown they can overcome the continent’s biggest clubs in this fixture. In 2023, the Algerian side defeated African champions Al Ahly 1-0 to lift the Super Cup, securing one of the most notable victories in the club’s history. Three years on, the Rouge et Noir are seeking to add another continental trophy and reinforce their reputation in major African matches.

The Loftus Versfeld pitch was slightly wet during the game.

USM Alger made the stronger start and went ahead in the fourth minute when Draoui finished an early opportunity. Mamelodi Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute after Abada was penalised for an obvious handball, allowing them to level.

The visitors restored their lead in the 37th minute. Azzi’s header struck the crossbar, but Redouani reacted quickest and headed in the rebound to put USM Alger back in front.

The Algerian side’s first-half display closely followed Lamine N’Diaye’s game plan, with USM Alger defending solidly and making the most of their limited attacking openings. Their defence also dealt with a dangerous ball inside the area as Sundowns looked for a response.

Rayners then went close to scoring a second for Sundowns, but the forward sent his effort over the crossbar from in front of goal.

Sundowns continued to threaten despite USM Alger’s passive pressing. Morena directed a header on target from a cross on the right, but Benbot collected the ball close to his left-hand post. Another Sundowns attack ended when their players were caught offside.

The home side eventually found an equaliser when Rayners sent Benbot the wrong way, scoring only eight minutes after coming on as a substitute.

USM Alger reached this Super Cup after winning the 2025-2026 CAF Confederation Cup. They eliminated AF Amadou Diallo in the second qualifying round before finishing top of Group A with 14 points, ahead of Olympic Safi, FC San Pedro and Djoliba.

In the quarter-finals, USM Alger progressed against AS Maniema Union on the away-goals rule, losing 2-1 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before winning 1-0 at home. They then drew 0-0 and 1-1 with Olympic Safi in the semi-finals, qualifying after Ahmed Khaldi scored a penalty in Morocco.

The final against Zamalek was also decided by a shootout. After the two legs ended 1-1 on aggregate, USM Alger won on penalties in Cairo, with Glody Likonza converting the Algerian side’s eighth attempt.

Mamelodi Sundowns won a second CAF Champions League title, 10 years after their first. They defeated Stade Malien 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals and Esperance de Tunis 2-0 in the semi-finals before overcoming AS FAR in the final.

Sundowns won the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria through Aubrey Modiba, then drew 1-1 in Rabat. Teboho Mokoena equalised in first-half stoppage time after AS FAR had scored from the penalty spot.

The Brazilians have won the Super Cup once before, beating TP Mazembe 1-0 in 2017.