USM Alger to pocket $500,000 for winning CAF Super Cup against Sundowns

USM Alger will receive $500,000 in prize money after defeating South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 to win the African Super Cup for the second time in their history.

The Algerian side delivered an impressive performance to overcome the CAF Champions League holders, adding another continental trophy to their collection after previously winning the competition in 2023/24.

Zakaria Draoui opened the scoring for USM Alger after converting Ahmed Khaldi’s cross inside the penalty area.

However, Sundowns responded in the 25th minute when Iqraam Rayners converted a penalty to restore parity.

USM Alger regained the lead nine minutes before half-time, with Saadi Redouani reacting quickest after a header rebounded off the crossbar to make it 2-1.

Ahmed Khaldi then put the Algerian club in a commanding position in the 55th minute with an excellent strike to extend their advantage.

USM Alger created further opportunities to increase their lead but were unable to find another goal as they held on for a 3-1 victory.

Confederation Cup winners continue Super Cup dominance

The victory further strengthens the recent dominance of CAF Confederation Cup winners in the African Super Cup.

Four Confederation Cup champions have lifted the trophy in the last five editions, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the continent’s second-tier club competition.

Pyramids remain the only club to have won both the CAF Champions League and the African Super Cup during that period.

USM Alger booked their place in the Super Cup after winning last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, defeating Zamalek on penalties in the final.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns qualified as CAF Champions League winners after overcoming AS FAR in the final.

Sundowns’ continental campaign takes another setback

The defeat represents another disappointment for Sundowns, who had already suffered an early exit from this season’s CAF Champions League.

The South African club were eliminated in the round of 32 after losing to Wiliete.

Their defeat against USM Alger means they have missed out on another continental trophy, while the Algerian side celebrate a second African Super Cup triumph.