USM Alger stun Mamelodi Sundowns to win CAF Super Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 3-1 defeat by USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon, just weeks after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League.

The fixture pits the winners of the CAF Champions League against the winners of the CAF Confederation Cup, but Sundowns endured a difficult build-up before the match had even started. Playmaker Nuno Santos picked up a hamstring injury and was replaced in the starting line-up by Cassius Mailula.

USM Alger began with greater purpose and repeatedly targeted the left side of the Sundowns defence. Their approach brought an early reward when veteran midfielder Zakaria Draoui followed up a promising attack to score a simple tap-in.

Sundowns were given an opportunity to respond when Thabang Matuludi won a penalty after the ball struck a USM Alger player’s hand. The referee awarded the spot-kick following a review by Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR).

Iqraam Rayners took responsibility from 12 yards and converted to level the contest. He had entered the game after Brayan Leon suffered an early injury and had to be taken from the pitch on a stretcher.

The equaliser did not unsettle USM Alger for long. Just over 10 minutes later, Saadi Radouani put the visitors back in front after a corner. A USMA header struck the crossbar, but the captain reacted quickest to prod home the rebound.

That left the home supporters stunned, with Masandawana going into half-time behind. Their efforts to regroup were then extended when the start of the second half was delayed by heavy rainfall.

Water remained on the pitch during the early stages after play resumed, affecting the flow of the game. Sundowns nevertheless attempted to take the initiative and find another way back into the match.

Instead, USM Alger increased their advantage on the counter-attack. Again exploiting space on the left side of the Sundowns defence, Ahmed Khaldi cut inside and curled a superb effort beyond Williams, leaving the captain with no chance.

Sundowns could not find a response as USM Alger held on to secure their second CAF Super Cup title in three years. The Algerian side had previously won the trophy in 2023, when they defeated Al Ahly in the final.