“Algerian club USM Alger defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 3–1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, 8 November 2026, to win their second CAF Super Cup title, with Ahmed Khaldi delivering an outstanding performance involving a goal and an assist. The defeat was another difficult continental setback for Sundowns, whose preparations and match were affected by injuries, defensive lapses and a second-half delay caused by heavy rain.”
USM Alger Deliver Stunning 3–1 Defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns to Claim CAF Super Cup Glory in Pretoria
Sundowns suffer another continental disappointment
Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a painful continental setback after Algerian giants USM Alger defeated them 3–1 in the CAF Super Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The victory handed USM Alger their second CAF Super Cup championship and prevented the South African champions from adding another continental trophy to their collection.
The encounter brought together the reigning CAF Champions League winners and the holders of the CAF Confederation Cup. Sundowns entered the contest hoping to demonstrate their continental superiority in front of their home supporters, while USM Alger arrived determined to establish themselves among Africa’s leading football clubs.
However, the Algerian visitors produced a disciplined, energetic and clinically executed performance that exposed weaknesses in Sundowns’ defensive organisation and prevented the hosts from establishing sustained control.
According to the official Confederation of African Football match report, USM Alger secured the trophy through goals from Zakaria Draoui, Saadi Radouani and Ahmed Khaldi. Sundowns’ only goal came through Iqraam Rayners, who converted a first-half penalty.
USM Alger strike early to shock the Pretoria crowd
USM Alger immediately demonstrated their attacking intentions, taking the lead just four minutes after kick-off.
The opening goal followed an impressive attacking movement involving Ahmed Khaldi, who penetrated the Sundowns defensive area before delivering a dangerous low cross. Zakaria Draoui arrived in the penalty area and finished from close range, giving the Algerian side an early advantage.
The goal placed Sundowns under immediate pressure and forced the South African champions to reconsider their approach.
Although Sundowns traditionally enjoy significant possession and attacking control, USM Alger showed that quick transitions and direct attacking movements could create considerable problems for the home side.
The early breakthrough also gave the Algerian visitors confidence, allowing them to maintain their defensive organisation while looking for opportunities to exploit spaces behind Sundowns’ defensive line.
Injuries disrupt Sundowns’ preparations
Sundowns experienced significant difficulties even before the match began.
Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos suffered an injury during the warm-up, forcing coach Miguel Cardoso to adjust his starting lineup. Cassius Mailula subsequently entered the starting team as the replacement.
The situation deteriorated further when striker Brayan León was forced off in the 15th minute with an apparent groin injury.
Iqraam Rayners replaced León, creating another unexpected adjustment for the South African champions.
These early changes disrupted Sundowns’ attacking arrangements and reduced the team’s ability to execute its original tactical plan.
Nevertheless, Rayners proved an important replacement, providing Sundowns with renewed attacking energy and eventually scoring their only goal.
Rayners restores parity from the penalty spot
Sundowns gradually increased their attacking pressure after conceding the opening goal.
Their efforts produced an opportunity when a handball incident inside the USM Alger penalty area prompted a Video Assistant Referee review.
Following the review, the referee awarded Sundowns a penalty.
Rayners confidently converted the spot kick in the 25th minute, bringing the score to 1–1 and temporarily restoring the home supporters’ confidence.
The equaliser appeared to provide Sundowns with an opportunity to regain control of the contest.
However, USM Alger remained composed and continued exploiting their attacking opportunities.
The Algerian side demonstrated an important characteristic of successful continental football: the ability to recover quickly after conceding while maintaining tactical discipline.
Radouani restores USM Alger’s advantage
USM Alger regained their lead before half-time, capitalising on Sundowns’ difficulties defending a set-piece situation.
A corner delivery created an opportunity inside the penalty area, and following an initial effort that struck the crossbar, Saadi Radouani reacted quickly to head the ball into the net.
The goal gave USM Alger a 2–1 advantage and placed Sundowns in a challenging position heading into the interval.
For the hosts, the second goal highlighted the importance of defensive organisation during set pieces.
Although Sundowns had managed to recover from their early concession, their inability to prevent USM Alger from scoring again meant they entered the second half needing another response.
Khaldi produces the decisive moment
The second half began after a significant delay caused by heavy rain and adverse weather conditions in Pretoria.
Once play resumed, USM Alger continued demonstrating their attacking quality.
Ahmed Khaldi delivered the decisive moment of the encounter in the 55th minute.
The forward collected the ball outside the penalty area, created space and produced a superb curling effort that beat Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The goal extended USM Alger’s advantage to 3–1 and significantly changed the match’s tactical situation.
Sundowns now needed two goals to restore parity, while the Algerian side could concentrate on maintaining defensive stability and exploiting counterattacking opportunities.
Khaldi’s performance was particularly impressive because he contributed directly to both the opening goal and the third goal.
His creativity, movement and ability to make decisive contributions in important moments demonstrated why he emerged as one of the outstanding players of the final.
Sundowns struggle to recover
Following the third goal, Sundowns attempted to increase their attacking intensity.
Cardoso introduced additional attacking options, hoping to create opportunities capable of changing the outcome.
The South African champions continued searching for openings through possession, attacking combinations and attempts from distance.
However, USM Alger defended effectively, limiting Sundowns’ opportunities to create clear scoring chances.
The Algerian side also remained dangerous during counterattacks, forcing Williams to make additional interventions.
Sundowns’ attacking pressure ultimately failed to produce the comeback required to rescue the final.
The hosts briefly appeared to have found another goal during the closing stages, but a Video Assistant Referee review ruled out the effort after determining that the ball had crossed the touchline earlier in the attacking sequence.
That decision further reduced Sundowns’ hopes of recovering from the deficit.
USM Alger successfully managed the remaining minutes and secured a memorable victory in Pretoria.
Continental success strengthens USM Alger’s reputation
The victory represented an important achievement for USM Alger, who have continued strengthening their position within African club football.
Their CAF Super Cup triumph followed their success in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, which they won after defeating Egyptian club Zamalek in the final.
The Algerian club previously captured the CAF Super Cup in 2023.
Their latest success therefore represents a second championship in the competition and reinforces their ability to compete successfully against leading African clubs.
The victory also continued the recent competitive trend in which CAF Confederation Cup winners have frequently defeated Champions League winners in the Super Cup.
USM Alger’s performance demonstrated the importance of tactical organisation, attacking efficiency and composure during high-pressure continental encounters.
The club also received USD 500,000 in prize money for winning the competition, providing additional financial recognition for their achievement.
Sundowns face renewed questions about continental performance
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the defeat represents another disappointing continental result.
The club had previously experienced an unexpected elimination from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League qualifying rounds after failing to progress against Angola’s Wiliete SC.
Consequently, the Super Cup final represented an opportunity to restore continental confidence and demonstrate their capacity to compete against Africa’s strongest opponents.
Instead, the defeat has intensified scrutiny of Sundowns’ performances and their ability to respond effectively during important international matches.
The result also raises questions about defensive organisation, injury management and the team’s effectiveness when opponents prevent them from controlling possession.
However, one match alone cannot fully determine the quality of a football club or its long-term competitiveness.
Sundowns remain one of South Africa’s most established football institutions, with considerable domestic achievements and experience in continental competitions.
Their immediate challenge will be to analyse the shortcomings exposed against USM Alger and identify improvements that can strengthen their performances in subsequent matches.
Supporters demand answers after the defeat
The loss also generated frustration among sections of the Sundowns support base.
Following the defeat, some supporters reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with coach Miguel Cardoso and called for changes to the team’s technical leadership.
Videos circulated online showing supporters chanting against the coach following the 3–1 defeat.
The reaction reflected the expectations associated with Sundowns, a club whose supporters demand consistent performances and success in major competitions.
Nevertheless, managerial decisions following such setbacks require careful consideration of the wider sporting situation, including player availability, tactical execution and the club’s long-term objectives.
The defeat provides an opportunity for Sundowns’ technical team to reassess its approach and address the shortcomings exposed during the final.
South African football receives another continental lesson
The Super Cup result also carries broader significance for South African football.
Sundowns have frequently represented the country’s ambitions in African competitions, while their success has contributed to the visibility of the Premier Soccer League internationally.
However, USM Alger’s victory demonstrates that continental success cannot be guaranteed through reputation, financial resources or possession-based football alone.
Clubs must combine technical quality with tactical discipline, effective preparation, defensive concentration and the ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities.
The Algerian side achieved precisely that during the final.
Their early goal established momentum, their second goal punished a defensive weakness, and Khaldi’s outstanding strike effectively settled the contest.
For South African clubs seeking greater continental success, the encounter provides valuable lessons concerning preparation, tactical adaptability and the importance of maintaining concentration throughout an entire match.
Conclusion: USM Alger celebrate while Sundowns regroup
USM Alger’s 3–1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns will remain an important moment in the club’s recent continental history.
The Algerian side demonstrated attacking efficiency, defensive discipline and composure to defeat the South African champions on their own territory.
For Sundowns, the defeat represents a difficult disappointment that requires an immediate and constructive response.
The club must now focus on improving its defensive organisation, managing player fitness and restoring confidence among supporters.
Ultimately, the CAF Super Cup final demonstrated the competitive strength of African club football and the importance of execution in decisive matches.
USM Alger leave Pretoria with continental silverware, while Mamelodi Sundowns are left with the responsibility of rebuilding momentum and responding to one of their most disappointing recent continental performances.
