USM Alger and Mamelodi Sundowns are scheduled to contest the 2026 CAF Super Cup final this Sunday at 14:00 Algerian time at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. USM Alger secured their place in the final by defeating Zamalek 8-7 on penalties on 16 May 2026, following a 1-1 aggregate draw in the CAF Confederation Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns qualified for the match by defeating AS FAR in the CAF Champions League.
Hadj Adlane, Assistant Coach of USM Alger, stated, "We have made a long night trip that went generally in good conditions. After arriving at the residence, we scheduled a session to remove fatigue to help the players recover from the travel fatigue. The group is very motivated and we will give everything we have to win a new African Super Cup after the 2023 title, as we represent Algeria."
Bilal Nouioua, Chairman of the Board of Directors of USM Alger, added, "We are here to win the title and return with the cup to Algeria. The players are in the best psychological state, as is the technical staff. We will give everything we have to be at the level of our fans' expectations and honor the national flag."
Historical Context of Finalists
USM Alger enters this final with prior experience in the competition. The club secured the CAF Super Cup in 2023 after defeating Al Ahly 1-0 during a match held in Taif.
Mamelodi Sundowns also holds a previous title from their appearance in the event. The South African side won the CAF Super Cup in 2017 following a 1-0 victory against TP Mazembe. Both teams arrive at the 2026 final with these single-goal victories serving as their historical benchmarks in the tournament.
Team Preparations and Arrival
Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida will lead the officiating team for the 2026 CAF Super Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. He will be supported by assistant referees Djibril Camara and Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue. Abdel Aziz Bouh has been appointed as the fourth official for the match. The video assistant referee duties will be managed by Babacar Sarr, assisted by Karin Atesambong Fomo and Abdel Aziz Yasser Ahmed Abdel Aziz.
Bilal Nouioua, Chairman of the Board of Directors of USM Alger, confirmed the team's transition into the final phase of their preparations upon landing in South Africa. Regarding the upcoming match, Bilal Nouioua stated, "We have officially entered the atmosphere of this competition, as we arrived in South Africa and the serious things have started. We are fully aware of the size of the responsibility that awaits us today, it is a match that will be played in 90 minutes, and we must be at the level of this event." Players and staff focused their initial sessions on physical recovery to ensure readiness for the Sunday encounter.
Prize Money and Incentives
The winner of the 2026 CAF Super Cup will receive $500,000 in prize money. The runner-up will receive a payment of $250,000 for their participation in the final.
These figures bring the total prize money for the competition to $750,000. This amount represents a 130% increase compared to the total prize money available during the 2022 edition of the tournament. The allocation of these funds reflects the recent financial adjustments made by the Confederation of African Football regarding the event.
