Cardoso urges Mamelodi Sundowns to learn from USM Alger defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso says his side must use their CAF Super Cup defeat by USM Alger as a lesson after another disappointing continental campaign.

The South African club began the 2026/27 season as African champions but have now suffered two significant setbacks in continental competition within a short period.

Their exit from the CAF Champions League group stage, following defeat by Wiliete SC, was particularly damaging. It was the first time in more than 10 years that Mamelodi Sundowns had failed to reach the knockout phase of the competition.

Cardoso believes Sundowns created opportunities against USM Alger but were unable to convert them, while their opponents made far more of the chances available to them.

“We made mistakes that were punished with goals. USMA were not very active; the difference was the level of profit they got from their opportunities compared with what we failed to get from ours,” said the Portuguese coach.

Heavy rain made the pitch increasingly difficult to play on during the second half, but Cardoso refused to use the conditions as an excuse for the result.

“When I saw the state of the pitch in the second half, I knew it would be difficult for us. Playing in the rain was not easy. It was catastrophic, but these are not excuses,” he said.

“I think we lacked the bit of luck needed to find the spark that would have allowed us to get back into the match.”

Sundowns later conceded twice on the counter-attack as USM Alger secured victory.

“We then conceded two goals in counter-attacks, and, together with everything else, there were all the emotions that it created. We gave everything, and we knew USMA had character as a North African team. The task proved difficult,” Cardoso added.

“Congratulations to USMA, their players and the club.”

Mamelodi Sundowns now have a two-and-a-half-week break during the FIFA international window. Their continental commitments have ended for the remainder of the season.

Cardoso acknowledged the disappointment but said the team had to focus on using the defeat to improve rather than dwelling on what had already happened.

“You can always learn from failures; I do not see another solution. We wanted to win,” he said.

The Sundowns manager also recalled a previous match at Loftus Versfeld during his time in charge of Esperance. Rain disrupted that game too, preventing his opponents from performing at their best.

“You remember the match I played here a few years ago with Esperance. Sundowns dominated, then the rain interrupted the game. The conditions were not optimal for Sundowns to show their best level,” he said.

“Results like this demoralise you, but there is only one way to respond. We have challenges to face in the short term, and that is how great teams come through situations like this.

“It is neither a disaster nor a catastrophe. There are no losers. I will not say which team was better.”