USM Alger were crowned 2026 CAF Super Cup champions after producing a commanding display to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sunday.
The Algerian side outplayed the CAF Champions League holders with an efficient attacking performance, securing their second Super Cup title and reinforcing their status among the continent’s elite clubs.
USM Alger made the perfect start, taking the lead just four minutes into the contest. Zakaria Draoui finished clinically from close range after Ahmed Khaldi burst down the right flank before delivering a precise cutback into the penalty area.
Sundowns responded midway through the first half when they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Achref Abada was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, and the South African champions converted from the spot in the 25th minute to restore parity.
The equaliser, however, did little to halt USM Alger’s momentum.
The Algerian outfit regained the lead in the 37th minute through Saadi Radouani, who reacted quickest after Imadeddine Azzi’s header struck the crossbar, calmly converting the rebound to hand his side a deserved advantage before the interval.
USM Alger effectively wrapped up the contest ten minutes into the second half. Ahmed Khaldi capped an outstanding individual performance by finishing off a well-worked move after being set up by substitute Aime Tendeng, giving the Algerian club an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Despite enjoying periods of possession, Sundowns were unable to find a way back into the match as USM Alger defended resolutely to secure another memorable continental triumph.
The victory saw USM Alger lift the CAF Super Cup for the second time, having previously won the competition in 2023. On both occasions, they qualified for the one-off final as winners of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The triumph also increased Algeria’s tally of CAF Super Cup titles to three, following ES Sétif’s success in 2015 and USM Alger’s victories in 2023 and 2026.
In addition to continental glory, USM Alger will receive $500,000 in prize money, while the runners-up take home $250,000, reflecting CAF’s continued investment in African club football.
