USM Alger pulled off a big shock on Sunday afternoon by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in the CAF Super Cup at a wet Loftus Versfeld. The Algerian side came to Pretoria and took the trophy home with them after a strong display against the Brazilians.

The visitors struck early. Just four minutes in, Zakaria Draoui finished calmly past Ronwen Williams after good work from Ahmed Khaldi. Sundowns were already short-handed. Nuno Santos picked up an injury in the warm-up, and striker Brayan Leon had to come off early after a knock. Iqraam Rayners came on and soon had a chance to help his team.

In the 25th minute, Sundowns were awarded a penalty after a VAR check for handball. Rayners stepped up and scored to make it 1-1. The Brazilians looked ready to push on, but the Algerians hit back before half-time. Saadi Radouani nodded in the rebound after a corner hit the woodwork, restoring the lead for USM Alger.

Heavy rain in Pretoria delayed the start of the second half by about 30 minutes. When play resumed, USM Alger stayed in control. Ten minutes after the break, Khaldi cut inside and curled a fine shot into the far corner to make it 3-1. Sundowns tried to fight back and even had a goal ruled out late by VAR, but the visitors held on for the win.

USM Alger have now won the Super Cup for the second time, after their first title in 2023. They earned the R8 million prize money. For Sundowns, it was a tough afternoon in front of their own fans. The African champions last season could not add another trophy and will now focus on domestic matters under coach Miguel Cardoso.

The result showed that USM Alger were sharp and clinical on the day. The Brazilians had more of the ball at times, but the Algerians made their chances count and defended well when it mattered. Fans at Loftus left disappointed, while the visitors celebrated a well-earned victory in the rain.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2119453346834583613?a=rxF2wMC2DWAImrb-OIY&s=19