Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental struggles continued after they suffered a 3-1 defeat to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup in Pretoria on Sunday, with the Algerian side securing a historic second title.
The defeat marked another disappointing result for the South African champions, who had hoped to celebrate their CAF Champions League success by lifting another continental trophy.
USM Alger wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead after just four minutes when Ahmed Khaldi’s low cross was turned into the net by Zakaria Draoui.
Sundowns responded through Iqraam Rayners, who converted a penalty in the 25th minute after Achref Abada handled the ball in the box.
However, the Algerian side regained the lead 11 minutes later when captain Saadi Redouani headed home a rebound after Sundowns failed to clear a corner.
The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Khaldi produced a stunning finish, curling the ball beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and into the far corner.
The second half had been delayed by 30 minutes following torrential rain, which left ground staff scrambling to clear water from the pitch.
Despite Sundowns’ efforts to respond, USM Alger held on to secure the trophy and become the first Algerian club to win the CAF Super Cup twice.
The victory earned USM Alger $500,000 in prize money, according to the original report.
For Sundowns, the result adds to their recent continental disappointment following their surprise defeat to Angolan club Wiliete in a Champions League qualifying match last month.
The defeat raises further questions about the Pretoria side’s ability to maintain their dominance in African football, particularly after their recent Champions League triumph.
USM Alger, meanwhile, will turn their attention to defending their CAF Confederation Cup title, beginning their campaign against Malian club Real Bamako.