USM Alger, also known as Union Sportive de la Médina d'Alger, has won the African Super Cup for the second time in its history. The Algerian club secured the title by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa with a score of 3-1 in the final match held at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, adding another continental trophy to its collection.
The match began with a strong start from USM Alger, as Zakaria Draoui scored the opening goal in the fourth minute. The early goal gave the Algerian team a crucial advantage, unsettling the home team, Mamelodi Sundowns, who were playing on their home turf with the support of their fans. Despite being the underdogs, USM Alger showed determination and a strong will to win the title.
Mamelodi Sundowns managed to equalize in the 25th minute through a successful penalty kick by Ikram Rayners, making the score 1-1 and reigniting the competition. However, USM Alger responded quickly, as Saadi Radouani scored the second goal for the Algerian team in the 37th minute. Radouani's goal, scored with a powerful header, gave USM Alger a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The second half of the match was delayed for about 15 minutes due to adverse weather conditions and heavy rain, which affected the field. Once play resumed, USM Alger continued to focus on maintaining its lead and preventing Mamelodi Sundowns from making a comeback. The Algerian team's strategy paid off as they added a third goal to their tally, effectively sealing the win with a 3-1 score.
The victory is particularly significant for USM Alger, as it marks their second African Super Cup title. The first title was won in 2023 when they defeated the Egyptian club Al Ahly. This latest achievement underscores the team's capability to compete with top clubs in Africa and excel in major tournaments.
The win was met with jubilation from USM Alger's fans, who celebrated the team's continental success. The Algerian club's performance in the African Super Cup has reinforced its reputation as a formidable force in African football. The team's success is a testament to its hard work, determination, and skill on the field.
USM Alger's coach and players have expressed their satisfaction with the win, highlighting the team's unity and perseverance. The African Super Cup victory is expected to boost the team's morale and motivation as they continue to compete in domestic and international competitions. The win will also have a positive impact on Algerian football, inspiring other teams and players to strive for excellence.
Key points
- USM Alger won the 2024 African Super Cup by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1.
- This is USM Alger's second African Super Cup title, with the first one being in 2023.
- The victory marks a significant achievement for Algerian football, reinforcing USM Alger's position as a top club in Africa.
