Mamelodi Sundowns Face USM Alger in CAF Super Cup Final

Clash at Loftus Versfeld

Mamelodi Sundowns get a chance to claim continental silverware this Sunday when they face USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup. The match takes place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CAT, 2 p.m. CET, and 1 p.m. GMT. Fans can watch the game live on SuperSport channel 208.

Sundowns missed the chance to defend their CAF Champions League title after being knocked out in the second preliminary round on away goals by Angolan leaders Wiliete. Now, they focus on this trophy against USM Alger, who won the CAF Confederation Cup. USM Alger are placed in Group D of that tournament alongside AS Real Bamako, Black Bulls, and CS Sfaxien.

Form and Team News

Sundowns enter this clash in strong form. They have lost just one of their last 21 matches in all competitions. Domestically, they sit top of the South African Premiership, one point ahead of Orlando Pirates. They already beat Pirates to win the MTN8 trophy and recently reached the semi finals of the Carling Knockout with a 1-0 win against Golden Arrows on Tuesday.

USM Alger are currently fifth in Algeria Ligue 1. They are tied on points with fourth placed MB Rouissat and hold a game in hand.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso must manage key player fitness. Star midfielder Teboho Mokoena and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams are dealing with recurring injuries. Right back Khuliso Mudau remains out with a long term injury. Upfront, Cardoso can start Colombian striker Brayan Leon or Iqraam Rayners, who scored the winning goal against Golden Arrows.

Head to Head History and Lineups

These two sides have met twice before, both times during the 2019 and 2020 CAF Champions League. Sundowns won both of those meetings.

Sundowns are expected to line up with Ricardo Goss in goal, behind Fawaaz Basadien, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, and Thabang Matuludi. The midfield could feature Nuno Santos, Bathusi Aubaas, and Marcelo Allende. Upfront, Siyanda Ndlovu, Brayan Leon, and Antonio van Wyk could start.

USM Alger may feature goalkeeper Oussama Benbout behind Haithem Loucif, Saadi Radouani, Che Malone, Achref Abada, and Rayane Abdelmadjid Mahrouz. Their midfield options include Zakaria Draoui, Glody Likonza, and Aime Tendeng, with Mohamed El Amine Ramdaoui and Dramane Kamagate in attack.