Algeria’s USM Alger claimed their second CAF Super Cup title after defeating African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in Pretoria on Sunday, with Ahmed Khaldi producing an outstanding performance to inspire victory over the South African giants.

Goals from Zakaria Draoui, Saadi Radouani and Khaldi secured the trophy for the reigning TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup winners at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, denying Sundowns the opportunity to add another continental honour to their collection.

Iqraam Rayners scored from the penalty spot for Sundowns, but the hosts were unable to recover from a difficult afternoon during which injuries disrupted their preparations and forced coach Miguel Cardoso into two early changes.

The victory earned USM Alger USD 500,000 in prize money and continued an impressive recent record for Confederation Cup winners in the annual contest between the holders of Africa’s two major club competitions.

Four of the last five CAF Super Cup titles have now been won by TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup champions, with Egypt’s Pyramids FC the only TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners to lift the trophy during that period.

USM Alger, who previously won the Super Cup in 2023, added another continental honour to their history after defeating Zamalek on penalties to win last season’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

Khaldi inspires Algerians with goal and assist

USM Alger made a remarkable start, taking the lead after just four minutes following an incisive attacking move involving Khaldi.

The Algerian forward broke into the penalty area from the right, evaded a challenge and delivered a low ball across goal for Draoui to finish from close range.

The early breakthrough immediately placed Sundowns under pressure and forced the South Africans to chase the contest in front of their home supporters.

Cardoso’s side had already suffered a setback before kick-off when Portuguese midfielder Nuno Santos sustained an injury during the warm-up.

The Sundowns coach responded by bringing Cassius Mailula into the starting line-up, but his plans were disrupted again after just 15 minutes.

Striker Brayan León was forced off with an apparent groin injury, prompting the introduction of Rayners.

The substitute made an almost immediate impact when Sundowns were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for handball.

Rayners stepped forward and converted in the 25th minute, sending goalkeeper Oussama Benbot the wrong way to restore parity.

The equaliser gave Sundowns renewed confidence, and they came close to moving ahead when Thapelo Morena connected with Mailula’s delivery.

However, Benbot produced an important save to keep the scores level.

USM Alger punished that missed opportunity by restoring their advantage in the 37th minute.

Following a corner, an initial header struck the crossbar before Radouani reacted quickest to the rebound and headed home.

The goal gave the Algerians a 2-1 lead at half-time and left Sundowns facing another difficult recovery.

Sundowns unable to respond after stunning third goal

The start of the second half was delayed by adverse weather conditions, but USM Alger resumed with the same attacking intent that had troubled Sundowns before the interval.

Khaldi, who had already created the opening goal, extended the visitors’ advantage in the 55th minute with the outstanding individual moment of the match.

Finding space on the edge of the penalty area, he cut inside and curled a superb shot beyond Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner.

The third goal left the South African champions with a considerable task as they attempted to rescue the contest.

Teboho Mokoena tried his luck with an effort from distance, but his shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Tashreeq Matthews also attempted to threaten the visitors’ goal as Cardoso introduced Antonio van Wyk in an effort to strengthen his attacking options.

Despite enjoying spells of possession, Sundowns struggled to break down an organised Algerian defence.

USM Alger, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counterattack and created opportunities to extend their lead.

Khaldi almost added another goal when he connected with a powerful volley, only for Williams to produce an impressive fingertip save.

The South African goalkeeper was called into action again with approximately 15 minutes remaining, diving to turn Dramane Kamagaté’s low effort around the post.

Those interventions prevented a heavier defeat as the Algerians continued to exploit the spaces left by Sundowns.

The hosts thought they had found a way back into the contest during the closing stages when the ball ended up in the net following an own goal.

However, VAR ruled out the effort after determining that the ball had crossed the touchline earlier in the attacking move.

That decision effectively ended Sundowns’ hopes of mounting a late comeback, allowing USM Alger to see out the remaining minutes and celebrate a memorable continental triumph.

Second Super Cup triumph strengthens USM Alger’s continental standing

The victory represents another major achievement for USM Alger, who have established themselves among the leading clubs in African football in recent seasons.

Their latest success follows their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup triumph against Zamalek, when they prevailed in a penalty shootout after a closely contested final.

The Algerian club have now won the CAF Super Cup twice, adding the 2026 title to their previous success in 2023.

Their achievement also continues the recent dominance of TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup winners over their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League counterparts in the continental showpiece.

For Sundowns, the defeat is a disappointment after their successful 2025/26 CAF Champions League campaign, which ended with victory over Morocco’s AS FAR in the final.

The South African giants had hoped to add the Super Cup to their continental achievements, but their preparations were undermined by injuries and an Algerian side that took its opportunities.

Sundowns’ difficulties come during a challenging period for the club, which was also eliminated from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League in the qualifying rounds by Angola’s Wiliete SC.

That early continental exit means the reigning TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners will not defend their title in this season’s Group Stage.

USM Alger, meanwhile, can celebrate another international trophy and the USD 500,000 financial reward that accompanies their victory.

The result reinforces the competitive strength of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and provides further evidence of the increasingly narrow margins between Africa’s leading club competitions.

CAF Super Cup 2026 – Match details

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) 1-3 USM Alger (Algeria)

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa

Date: Sunday, 08 November 2026

Goalscorers:

• Mamelodi Sundowns: Iqraam Rayners (25′, penalty)
• USM Alger: Zakaria Draoui (4′), Saadi Radouani (37′), Ahmed Khaldi (55′)

CAF Super Cup winners: USM Alger (second title)

Prize money: USD 500,000