USM Alger stunned Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly 1-0 in the CAF Super Cup final on Friday night in Saudi Arabia thanks to a first-half penalty from captain Zinedine Belaid.

The historic victory ensures the Algerian club its first-ever Super Cup victory.

The team displayed outstanding defensive play to maintain their slim advantage in the face of strong pressure.

Just before halftime, the referee consulted VAR and awarded a penalty for handball. Belaid calmly converted from the spot.

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That turned out to be the turning point in a tense match that was dominated by the Egyptian heavyweights, with USM Alger exhibiting tremendous resiliency and backs-to-the-wall defence to pull off an upset.

Al Ahly, who were vying for a record-extending eighth Super Cup victory, had the majority of possession and chances but were unable to get past an inspired Alexis Nabout in goal.

Hussein El Shahat’s shot was fumbled by Nabout directly into the path of Walter Bwalya, giving the Red Devils an early goal chance, but it was disallowed for offside.

While Percy Tau and Ali Maaloul forced Benabout to make wise stops, Al Ahly persisted in pressing.

However, USM Alger shocked the favourites against the odds when Belaid slammed home a penalty kick in the 42nd minute following a handball ruling.

Similar patterns emerged in the second half as Al Ahly relentlessly attacked the Algerian goal without success.

Mohamed Afsha, a substitute, shot wide before Percy Tau, who was in a good position, missed the target.

Ali Maaloul wasted a crucial opportunity in a heart-stopping finish, and then Taher Mohamed Taher’s header was deflected over by the excellent Benabout.

However, USM Alger bravely hung on to secure a renowned triumph that set up a riot of jubilation.

The victory highlights the advancements achieved under coach Abdelhak Benchikha and atones for their loss to Al Ahly in the same final two years ago.

After winning the Egyptian league and CAF Champions League this season, Al Ahly’s aspirations of sweeping all trophies are dashed with this defeat.

However, head coach Marcel Koller will be aware that they merited more for a performance that at the very least merited an equaliser.

Al Ahly will feel resentful at leaving the championship game empty-handed given the overall state of the game.

But on a historic night for the Algerian club, USM Alger’s ruthlessness in seizing their one clear opportunity and tenacious defence were deserving of the greatest praise.