USM Alger secured the African Super Cup for the second time in their history with a 3-1 victory away to Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The Algerian club, who are the holders of the CAF Confederation Cup, produced a disciplined and composed display to overcome the South African champions in front of their home supporters.
The victory comes four years after USM Alger first lifted the continental trophy and further strengthens their position among Africa’s leading clubs.
Former USM Alger defender Mounir Zeghdoud, who spent 10 seasons with the club between 1997 and 2007 and made 122 appearances, was asked by Africafoot to assess the final and consider what the result could mean for his former side.
Zeghdoud said tactical discipline and efficiency had been central to USM Alger’s success against a Mamelodi Sundowns side known for its possession-based football, passing combinations and ability to build attacks from defence.
He believes the Algerian team’s organisation enabled them to close down spaces, restrict Sundowns’ passing options and prevent the hosts from establishing their usual rhythm, particularly in midfield.
USM Alger’s defensive shape was not simply a means of absorbing pressure. According to Zeghdoud’s analysis, the visitors were also able to exploit the spaces left by Sundowns through quick transitions, especially down the flanks.
That approach disrupted the South African side’s defensive structure and reduced the freedom of their full-backs to move forward.
Zeghdoud also highlighted the way USM Alger handled the different phases of the match. Playing in Pretoria against a team backed by its home crowd required mental strength, but the Algerian players remained composed, managed periods of pressure effectively and controlled the tempo in a way that suited their objectives.
Collective effort behind USM Alger success
The former defender believes the result was shaped by more than tactical decisions. He also pointed to the players’ character, commitment in individual battles and determination to win second balls, particularly in the middle of the pitch.
Those efforts prevented Mamelodi Sundowns from building their possession game with confidence or taking sustained control of the final.
Zeghdoud also praised the defensive unit and the goalkeeper’s concentration, saying those contributions helped create a sense of security throughout the team. In his view, the trophy reflected the squad’s cohesion and its ability to carry out the technical staff’s instructions collectively.
He described the victory in Pretoria as an important sporting and psychological achievement, but warned the players not to become complacent after winning the trophy.
The former USM Alger defender believes the club’s current working conditions bring significant responsibilities for its professionals. He urged them to maintain the same level of daily commitment and high standards for the rest of the season.
The Super Cup also represents a further statement of USM Alger’s continental ambitions. Having already won the CAF Confederation Cup, the club have added another major African honour and shown they can compete with the continent’s strongest teams.
For the current generation, Zeghdoud considers the away victory over Mamelodi Sundowns a valuable source of confidence ahead of future domestic and African fixtures.
He also said the trophy was a reward for the club’s supporters, who had remained behind the team through difficult periods and moments of success.
Zeghdoud regards the triumph as the product of collective work involving the club’s leadership, coaching staff and players. The challenge now is to use it as a platform for further progress and to remain among the leading clubs in African football.