USM Alger Sink Mamelodi Sundowns to Lift CAF Super Cup in Pretoria

Mamelodi Sundowns fell short in their bid to lift the CAF Super Cup after suffering a 3-1 defeat to USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday evening.

The Brazilians endured a difficult night from the opening whistle as the visitors struck early to seize control of the contest. USM Alger took the lead when Zakaria Draoui found the back of the net after being set up by Ahmed Khaldi, silencing the home supporters.

Sundowns attempted to respond immediately and nearly found an equaliser moments later. Marcelo Allende delivered a dangerous ball into the area for Brayan Leon, but the striker’s header sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

The home side continued to push forward as Cassius Mailula tested the USM Alger defence with a quick effort inside the penalty area, only to see his shot blocked before it could trouble the goalkeeper.

The match took an unfortunate turn for Sundowns when Brayan Leon was forced off through injury. The striker received medical attention before making way for Iqraam Rayners, adding to the growing injury concerns after Nuno Santos had already been ruled out of the encounter.

Rayners would soon make his presence felt. After the referee pointed to the penalty spot following a handball in the area, the striker calmly converted from twelve yards to bring Sundowns level and restore hope for Miguel Cardoso’s side.

Sundowns looked the more threatening team for periods of the first half and came close to taking the lead through Thapelo Morena. His well-directed header forced a good save from the goalkeeper, while another opportunity later in the half drifted just over the crossbar.

Despite those chances, it was USM Alger who struck again before the break. Saadi Radouani restored the visitors’ advantage with a clinical finish, ensuring the Algerian side carried a lead into halftime.

The second half was delayed due to poor weather conditions around the stadium, but the visitors resumed with the same determination once play restarted. Sundowns introduced Siyanda Ndlovu in place of Morena, while USM Alger also shuffled their pack.

Tashreeq Matthews looked lively after the restart and created a shooting opportunity for himself, but his effort took a deflection and went behind for a corner. Aubrey Modiba also threatened with a low strike that forced the goalkeeper into action.

Just when Sundowns appeared to be building momentum, USM Alger landed a decisive blow. Ahmed Khaldi produced a superb finish to beat Ronwen Williams and extend the lead, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb.

Cardoso responded with further changes, introducing Antonio Van Wyk, Fawaaz Basadien and veteran playmaker Themba Zwane in an attempt to spark a comeback. However, the visitors remained disciplined and difficult to break down.

Sundowns continued searching for a route back into the final. Matthews saw another effort deflected behind, while Teboho Mokoena came agonisingly close from long range. The Brazilians also had the ball in the net later in the match, only for the goal to be ruled out after the ball had gone out of play during the build-up.

Basadien delivered a dangerous cross into the box during the closing stages, but none of his teammates were able to apply the finishing touch as frustration continued to grow among the home side.

When the final whistle sounded, USM Alger celebrated a deserved victory and CAF Super Cup success. For Sundowns, injuries, missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly as their hopes of continental silverware ended in disappointment on home soil.