USM Alger stun Mamelodi Sundowns to win CAF Super Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns’ hopes of adding the CAF Super Cup to their MTN8 and FIFA African Asian Pacific Cup successes were ended by a 3-1 defeat by USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

Sundowns dominated large periods of the final but were unable to overcome an organised Algerian defence, while USM Alger took their chances to secure the trophy.

The result comes shortly after Sundowns’ elimination in the CAF Champions League preliminaries. The South African side had been hoping to recover from that disappointment by lifting the Super Cup and continuing their pursuit of further silverware.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena returned to the starting line-up after missing recent matches because of injuries.

The match brought together the winners of last season’s Champions League and Confederation Cup. Both clubs were seeking to add the Super Cup to previous successes, with Sundowns having won the competition in 2016 and USM Alger claiming it in 2023.

Sundowns suffered an injury setback before kick-off when midfielder Nuno Santos was hurt during the warm-up. Coach Miguel Cardoso responded by replacing him with striker Cassius Mailula.

USM Alger needed only four minutes to take the lead. Ahmed Khaldi moved beyond a challenge on the right side of the penalty area before cutting the ball back to Zakaria Draoui, who finished from close range.

Sundowns were forced into another early change in the 16th minute when Bryan Leon appeared to suffer a groin injury. Iqraam Rayners came on in his place.

Although Sundowns controlled possession and territory, USM Alger remained compact and disciplined without the ball. The hosts were given an opportunity to draw level in the 23rd minute when a handball was spotted following a Video Assistant Referee review.

Rayners took responsibility from the penalty spot and converted calmly to make it 1-1.

Sundowns continued to press, but it was USM Alger who restored their advantage 10 minutes before half-time. Saadi Radouani reacted first after an initial header struck the crossbar, rising ahead of his marker to head the rebound into the net.

The second half began more than 30 minutes late because of inclement weather. Sundowns resumed their search for an equaliser, while USM Alger were content to defend deep and absorb the pressure.

The Algerian side then extended their lead against the run of play in the 55th minute. Khaldi was given space outside the box after Sundowns’ defence failed to react, and he curled a shot beyond Williams to complete the 3-1 scoreline.

Despite their continued control of the contest, Sundowns could not find a way back into the final, leaving USM Alger to claim the CAF Super Cup.