Sundowns 1-3 USMA: recap of the Algerian victory in the CAF Super Cup

08.11.26 FT CAF Super Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

1

:

USM Alger

3

USM Alger are champions of Africa! The Red and Blacks won the CAF Super Cup with a 3-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns this Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Despite the South Africans’ control of possession, the Algerians showed ruthless efficiency to claim another continental trophy.

Draoui gives USMA the perfect start

Lamine N’Diaye’s men did not have to wait long to take the lead. In the 4th minute, Ahmed Khaldi broke down the left before sending a cutback that Zakaria Draoui converted.

After falling behind early, Mamelodi Sundowns gradually took control of the game and were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. In the 25th minute, Iqraam Rayners converted from the spot to bring the teams level at 1-1.

But USMA did not let the South Africans enjoy their equaliser for long. In the 36th minute, after a scramble from a corner and a ball that came back off the post, Saadi Radouani arrived to restore the Algerians’ lead with a well-placed header.

Khaldi puts Sundowns away after the break

After a delay of more than 30 minutes because of heavy rain in Pretoria, the teams returned to the pitch for the second half. And it was USM Alger who struck again. Soon after the restart, Ahmed Khaldi, who had already provided the assist for the opening goal, found the net himself. From the edge of the box, he curled a precise shot into the side netting to make it 3-1.

Solid in the key moments and particularly clinical in front of goal, USM Alger held on until the final whistle to lift the CAF Super Cup. The Red and Blacks have now won the competition for the second time, following their first triumph in 2023 against Al Ahly. They also take home the $500,000 prize, while the South African finalists receive $250,000.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

USM Alger

CAF Super Cup