USM Alger Stun Sundowns To Claim CAF Super Cup Crown
Mamelodi Sundowns’ turbulent start to the campaign took another turn for the worse as they were convincingly beaten 3–1 by USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The defeat compounded a difficult period for the Brazilians in continental football, exposing a team currently lacking the aura and dominant composure of last season. Sundowns were thoroughly punished for defensive lapses and wasteful finishing, taking home $250,000 (USD) as runners-up while USM Alger claimed the $500,000 top prize.
The lingering scars of Sundowns’ shocking preliminary round exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Angolan side Wiliete SC were evident early on. USM Alger—the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions—capitalized on those vulnerabilities by striking inside the opening four minutes. Ahmed Khaldi exposed Khulumane Ndamane down the left flank before delivering a low cross for Zakaria Draoui to turn home from close range.
Sundowns suffered compounding setbacks before and during the match. Midfielder Nuno Santos picked up a knee injury in the warm-up and was replaced by Cassius Mailula, while striker Brayan Léon pulled up with a groin strain early in the half, forcing an immediate sub for Iqraam Rayners. However, the host side did welcome back key figures Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena following their recent injury layoffs.
Sundowns restored parity in the 25th minute following a VAR review. Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida inspected the monitor after Aubrey Modiba’s cross struck the arm of Achref Abada inside the box, subsequently pointing to the spot. Rayners stepped up and calmly beat Oussama Benbot to make it 1–1.
The equalizer failed to steady the hosts for long, as USM Alger restored their lead in the 36th minute. Ndamane’s attempted clearance from a corner bounced off the upright, and Saadi Radouani reacted quickest to head in the rebound as Sundowns failed to clear the second ball.
Miguel Cardoso’s men had opportunities to equalize before the break. Thapelo Morena spooned an effort high and wide from close range following Thabang Matuludi’s driving run and cross, before Mailula sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal that eluded both Tashreeq Matthews and Morena.
Heavy weather and torrential rain in Pretoria forced a delay of over 30 minutes prior to the second half. When play resumed under clearing skies, Cardoso introduced Siyanda Ndlovu in place of Morena.
However, USM Alger extended their advantage to 3–1 shortly after the restart. Khaldi, who created the opening goal, turned scorer by curling a refined finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty box.
The Algerian side remained in complete control, with Williams called upon twice more to deny Khaldi and prevent further damage. USM Alger head coach Lamine N’Diaye was seen celebrating on the touchline as he secured his third career CAF Super Cup title, having previously won back-to-back editions with TP Mazembe in 2010 and 2011.
Sundowns offered little threat in the closing stages, succumbing to their second home defeat of the season as USM Alger were crowned continental champions.
