Mamelodi Sundowns look to maintain momentum as CAF Champions League returns

Mamelodi Sundowns return to continental duty on Friday when they host Sudanese giants Al-Hilal in the CAF Champions League, looking to secure maximum points at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Sundowns started 2026 in winning ways following their 2-0 victory over Orbit College in the PSL on Monday and will be looking to add the Sudanese champions to their list of casualties.

CURRENT FORM AND GROUP STANDINGS

The Brazilians take an eight-match unbeaten record into this contest, having recorded five wins and three draws over that period. Their continental run so far includes:

A 3-1 home win over DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo.

A goalless draw against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger of Algeria.

The CAF Champions League 2025 resumes this Friday as Matchday 3 of the group stages gets underway across Africa. Following the conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, attention now turns back to club football, where Africa’s leading sides resume their campaigns.

A DECISIVE MIDPOINT

With two rounds of group matches completed before the AFCON break, Matchday 3 marks the halfway point of the competition. This stage is widely considered a decisive moment in the race for qualification to the quarter-finals.

The restart features a packed Friday schedule:

Al Ahly vs. Young Africans: Record champions Al Ahly host the Tanzanian side in Cairo.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Al Hilal Omdurman: A fixture expected to shape the Group C standings in Pretoria.

Other marquee fixtures include a high-profile Group A clash between RS Berkane and title holders Pyramids FC on Saturday. Across the weekend, clubs will continue their push for control as they look to consolidate strong starts or revive fading qualification hopes.