USM Alger Pay Tribute To Nelson Mandela Before Defeating Sundowns In CAF Super Cup

According to a report by African Football on Monday, November 9, 2026, Algerian giants USM Alger paid a special tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela before producing an impressive performance to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns and lift the CAF Super Cup trophy.

The Algerian club’s victory carried special significance because of the historical relationship between Algeria and South Africa, particularly their shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid.

Before the highly anticipated encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, USM Alger visited the Mandela House Museum in Soweto. During the visit, the club paid homage to the late South African leader by displaying their away jersey at the historic location.

The gesture highlighted the strong historical connections between the two countries, with Mandela having maintained close relationships with Algerian liberation fighters during the struggle against apartheid.

The relationship between Mandela and Algeria dates back to the early 1960s when he reportedly received military training from members of Algeria’s National Liberation Front (FLN). Algeria also became the first country Mandela visited after his release from prison in 1990.

However, the emotional tribute was followed by a memorable footballing achievement as USM Alger travelled to Loftus Versfeld Stadium to face African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Despite playing against the home supporters, the Algerian side demonstrated their quality by securing an impressive 3-1 victory to claim their second CAF Super Cup title.

USM Alger made a flying start when Zakaria Draoui opened the scoring in the fourth minute after Ahmed Khaldi delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area.

Sundowns eventually restored parity through Iqraam Rayners, who converted a penalty in the 25th minute after a VAR review identified a handball inside the box.

However, the visitors regained their advantage before the interval when Saadi Radouani reacted quickly to a rebound from the crossbar and headed the ball into the net in the 37th minute.

Ahmed Khaldi then produced one of the best moments of the encounter in the 55th minute, curling an excellent effort beyond Ronwen Williams to extend the Algerians’ advantage.

Sundowns tried desperately to recover but struggled to break through the organised USM Alger defence.

The victory earned the Algerian club their second CAF Super Cup crown after previously winning the competition in 2023 against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

USM Alger also became the first Algerian club to win the CAF Super Cup twice, further strengthening their position among Africa’s leading football clubs.

Beyond the footballing achievement, their tribute to Nelson Mandela made the occasion even more special, reminding supporters of the historical friendship between Algeria and South Africa. 

Source; https://www.facebook.com/100044342953460/posts/1720609986093750/?app=fbl

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