The victory over Sundowns sees the Algerian giants secure their second CAF Super Cup title in three years. They previously beat Al Ahly in the 2023 edition.
Sundowns had to make an early change before kick-off after Nuno Santos picked up a hamstring injury. Cassius Mailula was brought into the starting line-up as his replacement.
CAF SUPER CUP: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS 1-3 USM ALGER
However, the Brazilians struggled to contain USM Alger’s early attacking threat, particularly down the left side of their defence.
The visitors took the lead through veteran midfielder Zakaria Draoui. He finished from close range after Sundowns failed to deal with an attacking move.
Miguel Cardoso’s men eventually found a response when Thabang Matuludi won a penalty following a handball. The referee awarded the spot-kick after consulting VAR.
Iqraam Rayners converted to make it 1-1 after replacing the injured Brayan León, who had earlier been stretchered off.
But Sundowns’ celebrations were short-lived as USM Alger regained the advantage just over 10 minutes later.
Captain Saadi Radouani reacted quickest after a header from a corner struck the crossbar, turning home the rebound to make it 2-1.
EXTENDED HALF TIME BREAK
The Brazilians headed into the interval trailing, with the second half also getting off to a delayed start because of heavy rainfall in Pretoria.
Water on the pitch affected the opening stages after the restart, but Sundowns attempted to take control and find another equaliser.
Instead, USM Alger delivered the decisive blow on the counter-attack.
Ahmed Khaldi produced a superb finish from the left side of the Sundowns defence, curling the ball beyond Ronwen Williams to extend the visitors’ lead to 3-1.
The goal left the Brazilians with a mountain to climb, and they ultimately failed to find a way back into the contest.
USM Alger walked away with the trophy, while Sundowns suffered another painful continental setback following their recent CAF Champions League elimination.