Mamelodi Sundowns have missed out on the CAF Super Cup after suffering a disappointing 3-1 defeat to USM Alger in front of their home supporters at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon.
The Algerian side delivered a clinical performance to silence the Pretoria crowd and claim their second CAF Super Cup trophy in three years. USM Alger previously lifted the title in 2023 after defeating Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
For Sundowns, the defeat represents another painful continental disappointment following their recent elimination from the CAF Champions League.
Sundowns Forced Into Early Change Before Kick-Off
Miguel Cardoso’s preparations suffered an early setback when Nuno Santos picked up a hamstring injury before the match.
Cassius Mailula was brought into the starting line-up as his replacement, but the Brazilians struggled to settle into the contest against an energetic USM Alger side.
The visitors made their attacking intentions clear from the opening stages, repeatedly targeting the left side of Sundowns’ defence.
USM Alger Take Control as Sundowns Fight Back
USM Alger opened the scoring through veteran midfielder Zakaria Draoui, who finished from close range after Sundowns failed to deal with an attacking move.
The Brazilians eventually found a way back into the match when Thabang Matuludi won a penalty following a handball inside the box. The referee consulted VAR before pointing to the spot.
Iqraam Rayners stepped up and converted to bring Sundowns level at 1-1. He had come on after Brayan León was stretchered off with an injury.
However, the equaliser did not last long. USM Alger restored their lead just over 10 minutes later when captain Saadi Radouani reacted quickest to a rebound after a header from a corner struck the crossbar.
Radouani made no mistake from close range, sending the visitors into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.
Heavy Rain Delays Second-Half Restart
The second half got off to a delayed start because of heavy rainfall in Pretoria, with an extended half-time break required.
Water on the Loftus Versfeld pitch affected the early stages after the restart, but Sundowns attempted to take control and search for another equaliser.
Instead, USM Alger punished the hosts on the counter-attack.
Ahmed Khaldi produced a superb finish from the left side of the Sundowns defence, curling the ball beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to make it 3-1.
The goal gave the visitors a commanding advantage and left the Brazilians with a difficult task in the closing stages.
Another Continental Disappointment for Sundowns
Despite playing at home and having the backing of their supporters, Sundowns could not find a response after conceding the third goal.
USM Alger held on to secure a memorable 3-1 victory and lift the CAF Super Cup trophy.
The result will be a major disappointment for Cardoso and his players, who were hoping to add another continental honour to the club’s trophy cabinet.
Instead, Sundowns must reflect on another difficult night in African football after their recent CAF Champions League exit, while USM Alger celebrate a second Super Cup triumph in three years.
