CAF Makes Major Referee Announcement Ahead of Sundowns’ Super Cup Final Against USM Alger

Mamelodi Sundowns have received an important update ahead of their highly anticipated CAF Super Cup final against Algerian giants USM Alger, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appointing Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida to officiate the continental showdown.

The match is scheduled to take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, 8 November 2026, with both teams determined to secure another prestigious trophy for their respective clubs.

Beida, a 34-year-old international referee, has been entrusted with controlling one of African club football's biggest fixtures. His appointment comes as Sundowns prepare to use home advantage to challenge USM Alger for continental supremacy.

The Mauritanian official has experience on the international stage, having officiated at major competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in 2025. He has also been selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underlining the confidence placed in his refereeing abilities.

According to reports on the appointment, Beida will be supported by Senegalese assistant referee Djibril Camara and Cameroonian assistant referee Elvis Guy Noupoue Nguegoue. Fellow Mauritanian official Abdelaziz Bouh has been appointed as the fourth official.

The video assistant referee (VAR) team will be led by Mauritanian official Babacar Sarr, with Cameroon's Carine Atezambong Fomo and Sudan's Ahmed Yasser Abdelaziz also involved in the officiating team.

The final promises to be a fascinating contest between two sides that earned their places by winning Africa's leading club competitions during the 2025/26 season.

Sundowns qualified after being crowned CAF Champions League winners, reinforcing their status as one of the continent's most competitive teams. The Tshwane giants will now be eager to add the Super Cup to their collection and reward their supporters with another memorable occasion.

USM Alger, meanwhile, secured their place in the final by winning the CAF Confederation Cup. The Algerian outfit will travel to Pretoria determined to spoil the hosts' celebrations and demonstrate their quality against the Champions League holders.

The stakes are significant for both clubs, as the Super Cup offers an opportunity to establish continental bragging rights at the beginning of another African football campaign.

Sundowns will also draw confidence from their previous Super Cup success in 2017, when they defeated TP Mazembe to lift the trophy.

With the date, venue and referee now confirmed, attention will increasingly turn to preparations, team selection and tactical battles ahead of the encounter.

For Sundowns, playing at Loftus Versfeld presents an opportunity to capitalise on familiar surroundings. However, USM Alger's pedigree means the South African champions cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

With Beida appointed to oversee proceedings, supporters can look forward to a compelling battle as two continental champions compete for African football's latest major honour.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2114357430310043737