CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns qualify for knockouts
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Historic group stage exit avoided as Sundowns secure decisive win
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a decisive win in the final group-stage fixture of the CAF Champions League against MC Alger over the weekend.
The Brazilians were on the brink of elimination as they welcomed their opposition and former head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on a Saturday afternoon. The objective was simple: secure three points in the bag.
If they had failed to secure qualification to the knockout stages, that would've marked the first time since 2018 that Mamelodi Sundowns failed to progress beyond the group stages.
They accomplished just what was needed and won 2-0 in front of their raucous crowd. On the back of that outcome, the two-time semi-finalists and 2025 finalists advanced to the quarter-finals of this competition for the eighth time in a row.
That achievement eased some of the pressure head coach Miguel Cardoso had been feeling over the past few weeks. This is related to the team's dip in form, particularly in the Betway Premiership, where they've lost their grip at the top and are now playing second fiddle to Orlando Pirates.
Brayan Leon brace powers club past Algeria's MC Alger
The final matchday of the CAF Champions League against MC Alger was a do-or-die clash. The players and the backroom staff knew that a response was needed, especially considering they had failed to win their last four matches.
Masandawana followed through accordingly and had one person to thank for that success—new signing Brayan Leon from Colombia's Independiente Medellin. The 25-year-old centre-forward has made six appearances for his current club and has shone with four goals.
Leon recently scored two of those goals in that match. He opened the scoring for his team in the first six minutes, slotting in a rebound after opposition goalie Alexis Guendouz failed to save properly.
As if that was it for the day, he bagged a brace in the 63rd minute this time, with Aubrey Modiba setting him up for success with an assist. The Colombian swiftly converted from a right-footed shot from the left side to the bottom left corner.
Qualification for the knockout stages confirmed
Mamelodi Sundowns did not have a great run in the group stages of the CAF Champions League. In Group C, they managed just two wins, three draws, and one loss. However, finishing second in the group is what matters the most for the South African giants.
From the six games played, Miguel Cardoso's men accumulated nine points and finished behind table-toppers Al-Hilal Omdurman, who collected 11 points.
It has yet to be confirmed who they'll be facing in the quarter-finals, or the date the knockout stages will take place. However, everything should be finalised during this week by CAF.
