Mamelodi Sundowns suffer Super Cup heartbreak against USM Alger

The Brazilians have already missed out on the MTN8 title, which was won by Orlando Pirates earlier this season, meaning the Super Cup is the second trophy Miguel Cardoso’s side have failed to secure this campaign.

Playing in front of their home supporters, the CAF Champions League winners were widely expected to overcome their Confederation Cup counterparts. However, USM Alger had other ideas, producing an impressive performance to claim the trophy.

Sundowns got off to a terrible start, falling behind just four minutes into the match when Zakaria Draoui surged forward before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

As the hosts searched for an equaliser, they suffered another setback in the 17th minute when striker Brayan Leon picked up an injury and was replaced by Iqraam Rayners. It was the second injury concern for Sundowns on the day after Nuno Santos was forced off during the warm-up.

The Brazilians eventually found their breakthrough in the 22nd minute after Aubrey Modiba’s cross struck an opponent’s hand inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.

Rayners stepped up and made no mistake, sending the ball into the back of the net past USM Alger goalkeeper Oussama Benbot to restore parity.

Masandawana threatened to take the lead shortly after the half-hour mark when Thapelo Morena connected with a first-time header from Cassius Mailula’s delivery, but Benbot produced an important save.

That missed opportunity proved costly as the Algerians regained the advantage 10 minutes before half-time. Saadi Radouani reacted quickest to a rebound off the woodwork following a corner and headed home to make it 2-1.

Morena came close to restoring parity before the break, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.

The match was temporarily interrupted by adverse weather conditions before play resumed for the second half, with both teams making changes.

Sundowns’ hopes of a comeback suffered another major blow just 10 minutes after the restart when substitute Ahmed Khaldi produced a stunning curling effort to extend USM Alger’s lead to 3-1.

Desperate to get back into the contest, the Brazilians continued pushing forward, with Teboho Mokoena trying his luck from distance, although his efforts failed to produce the desired result.

Khaldi nearly grabbed his second in the 70th minute, but his attempt went narrowly wide before Williams produced a fine save to deny Dramane Kamalgate.

Sundowns thought they had pulled one back in the 79th minute when an USM Alger defender turned Mokoena’s cross into his own net. However, the goal was ruled out after the officials determined that the ball had crossed the line before Mokoena delivered the cross.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and search for a way back into the match, but USM Alger remained organised at the back to see out the result and celebrate a memorable Super Cup triumph, their second one having won it first time in 2023 after beating Al Ahly 1-0.