Algeria’s USM Alger claimed their second CAF Super Cup title on Sunday, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3–1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria in a contest decided by the visitors’ clinical finishing and an influential performance from Ahmed Khaldi.
According to the Confederation of African Football’s official match report, Zakaria Draoui opened the scoring in the fourth minute, Saadi Radouani restored the lead before half-time and Khaldi scored a spectacular third after the interval. Iqraam Rayners converted a penalty for Sundowns, who were unable to recover.
Early pressure puts the hosts on the defensive
USM Alger arrived in Pretoria as CAF Confederation Cup holders, facing a Sundowns side that had won the 2025/26 CAF Champions League. The match therefore brought together the winners of Africa’s two leading men’s club competitions, with the Algerians seeking to repeat their Super Cup success of 2023.
The visitors made an immediate statement. Khaldi helped create the opening goal for Draoui after only four minutes, forcing Sundowns to chase the game in front of their home supporters.
Sundowns’ task became more difficult when forward Brayan León suffered an apparent groin injury and was replaced by Rayners. Yet the substitute quickly changed the contest: following a video assistant referee review for handball, Rayners converted a 25th-minute penalty to level the scores.
The equaliser briefly shifted momentum. Sundowns threatened through Thapelo Morena, but goalkeeper Oussama Benbot intervened to prevent the home side from taking the lead. The save proved important as USM Alger responded before the break.
Radouani and Khaldi decide the contest
In the 37th minute, USM Alger regained their advantage from a corner. An initial header struck the crossbar and Radouani reacted first, heading the rebound into the net for a 2–1 half-time lead.
The start of the second half was delayed by adverse weather. When play resumed, the Algerian side retained its attacking threat. Khaldi collected possession near the edge of the penalty area in the 55th minute, moved inside and curled an excellent finish beyond Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
At 3–1, Sundowns faced a demanding comeback. Coach Miguel Cardoso made attacking changes, while Teboho Mokoena and other home players sought openings. USM Alger remained organised and continued to pose a threat on the counterattack.
The final score reflected the visitors’ ability to convert decisive opportunities rather than merely withstand pressure. Their early goal established the tempo, their response to Sundowns’ equaliser demonstrated resilience and Khaldi’s second-half strike effectively settled the match.
Another continental trophy for USM Alger
The victory gives USM Alger a second CAF Super Cup, adding to their 2023 title. The club also earned $500,000 in prize money, while CAF’s pre-match competition announcement set the runners-up award at $250,000.
For Sundowns, the defeat was a disappointment after their continental triumph last season. The South African side had hoped to add another international honour, but injuries, defensive lapses and USM Alger’s finishing undermined that ambition.
Beyond the result, the match highlighted the competitiveness of African club football. The Super Cup provides a direct contest between the Champions League and Confederation Cup winners, and USM Alger’s performance demonstrated that the distinction between the competitions does not necessarily determine the outcome of a one-off final.
The Algerian club will remember Pretoria as the setting for a disciplined and decisive continental performance. Sundowns, meanwhile, must regroup after a defeat that exposed the consequences of conceding early and failing to contain a creative opponent.
Sources: CAF official match report, 8 November 2026; CAF competition and prize-money information.
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