USM Alger Defeats Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 to Claim CAF Super Cup Title

Zakaria Draoui opened the scoring in the fourth minute as USM Alger defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 away from home to claim the 35th CAF Super Cup title.

Playing in Pretoria, the Algerian side secured their second continental Super Cup trophy, rfi.fr reported. The victory adds to their previous triumph in 2023 against Egypt’s Al-Ahly SC, according to historical records cited by dia-algerie.com.

Draoui struck inside the opening five minutes by converting a low cross from teammate Ahmed Khaldi past the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper. The hosts found an equalizer twenty minutes later when a VAR review confirmed a handball against central defender Achraf Abada inside the penalty area. Iqraam Rayners converted the resulting 25th-minute spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Oussama Benbot the wrong way.

The visiting side regained the lead before halftime. Captain Saâdi Radouani scored with a header at the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Farid Boulaya delivered a corner from the right. Ayoub Azzi had initially headed the ball against the crossbar, allowing Radouani to turn in the rebound.

Torrential downpours broke out over Pretoria immediately after the first half ended, forcing a delay of roughly forty minutes before the second period could begin. Despite the weather interruption, USM Alger maintained their defensive discipline and extended their lead.

Ahmed Khaldi secured the result later in the match with a curling left-footed shot after driving down the right wing and cutting inside. Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso introduced several substitutes in search of an offensive response, but the changes failed to alter the scoreline.

The defeat marked the first loss of the season for Mamelodi Sundowns across all competitions, halting a 14-match unbeaten run. The South African club recently experienced an unexpected elimination from the CAF Champions League group stage against Angolan side Wiliete.

Under the Confederation of African Football’s financial remuneration scale, USM Alger will receive a $500,000 prize for winning the title, while Mamelodi Sundowns collect $250,000 as runners-up.