Mamelodi Sundowns will have an opportunity to put their recent CAF Champions League disappointment behind them when they take on USM Alger in the 2026 CAF Super Cup this weekend.
The South African champions are scheduled to host the Algerian side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with kick-off set for 15:00.
Both teams enter the contest as continental champions, making the encounter an important battle for African football supremacy.
CAF Super Cup: Sundowns Face Confederation Cup Champions
Sundowns qualified for the competition after winning the CAF Champions League last season.
Masandawana secured their continental crown by defeating Morocco’s AS FAR over two legs in the final. Their qualification came during a successful campaign that also saw them claim an eighth consecutive Premier Soccer League title.
A victory on Sunday would give the Tshwane giants their second CAF Super Cup trophy. Their first triumph came in 2017.
USM Alger, meanwhile, earned their place after winning the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Algerian club overcame Egyptian giants Zamalek in a dramatic final. After the two-legged contest ended 1-1 on aggregate, USM Alger prevailed 8-7 in the penalty shootout.
They are also former Super Cup winners, having lifted the trophy in 2023.
The upcoming encounter therefore brings together two clubs with recent continental success and ambitions of adding another major honour to their collections.
Sundowns Look to Respond After Champions League Disappointment
Although Sundowns have enjoyed success in domestic competitions, their recent Champions League elimination was a major setback.
The Brazilians were knocked out in the second preliminary round by Angola’s Wiliete SC. After a goalless first-leg encounter, the teams played out a 1-1 draw in Pretoria, allowing Wiliete to progress on the away-goals rule.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged the disappointment, describing the elimination as a significant blow to the club.
He said:
“It’s a big knockout this one; it’s a big punch in our faces, yes. But what will make us stronger is how we will react; there are so many more things to win.”
Cardoso’s comments underline the importance of the team’s response. The Super Cup offers Sundowns an immediate opportunity to demonstrate their ability to recover from disappointment and compete for another continental title.
Domestic Success Gives Masandawana Confidence
Despite their Champions League setback, Sundowns remain competitive on the domestic front.
They defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 to win the MTN8 and have also secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals. The Brazilians are additionally leading the Premier Soccer League standings, according to the supplied report.
These achievements provide Cardoso’s team with reasons for confidence as they prepare to face USM Alger.
However, the Algerian visitors will be determined to spoil the home side’s celebrations and claim another continental trophy.
Previous Meetings: Sundowns Hold the Advantage
The two clubs have met twice before, during the 2019/20 CAF Champions League group stage.
Sundowns won the first encounter 1-0 in Algiers in December 2019 before recording a 2-1 victory in Pretoria in January 2020.
Those results give the South African side a positive historical record against their upcoming opponents.
USM Alger, however, will have the opportunity to change that record when they return to Pretoria for Sunday’s showdown.
Match Details: Sundowns vs USM Alger
2026 CAF Super Cup
Sunday, 8 November 2026
15:00 (South African time)
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
CAF Super Cup
With home advantage and a chance to claim another continental honour, Sundowns will be eager to deliver a strong performance. USM Alger, however, arrive with their own ambitions and the experience of winning the competition in 2023.
Can Masandawana lift the CAF Super Cup for a second time, or will USM Alger spoil the party in Pretoria?
