Miguel Cardoso says Mamelodi Sundowns ‘paid for mistakes’ in CAF Super Cup defeat

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso said his side were punished for their mistakes after losing 3-1 to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup.

The Brazilians had hoped to add another continental trophy to their collection at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, but USM Alger left South Africa with the silverware after a frustrating afternoon for the reigning CAF Champions League winners.

Sundowns struggled to convert their attacking opportunities and were exposed by defensive lapses, with Cardoso insisting the result was decided by the quality of the teams’ finishing rather than the number of chances created.

“We made mistakes that were penalised by goals; there wasn’t much action from USMA, the difference was the level of profit they had from what they created, compared to what we didn’t take from what we created,” Cardoso said after the match.

The defeat adds to the frustration around Sundowns’ recent displays in high-pressure continental matches, with Cardoso acknowledging that his team could not find a way back into the final.

Rain made the conditions at Loftus Versfeld increasingly difficult in the second half and affected the playing surface. However, the Portuguese coach refused to blame the weather for Sundowns’ shortcomings.

He conceded that his side lost its attacking rhythm as the match progressed, particularly after USM Alger extended their advantage.

“When I saw the conditions of the pitch in the second half, I knew it would be tough for us. It was not easy to play [with the rain]; it was catastrophic, but it’s not an excuse.

“I think we had bad luck getting the spark to get us back in the match. We then went down by two goals on counterattack, and then there’s the emotions that follow; we tried, we knew USMA had character as a North African team – it became tricky,” he added.

Cardoso also paid tribute to USM Alger, recognising the quality and resilience that enabled the Algerian side to secure victory.

“Congratulations to USMA, the players and the club,” he concluded.

For Sundowns, the loss underlined the need to combine their continental experience with greater defensive concentration and more clinical finishing. Their status as CAF Champions League winners was not enough to prevent defeat, leaving Cardoso’s side to respond after another disappointing result on the African stage.