Mamelodi Sundowns must secure a crucial home victory in their final CAF Champions League Group C fixture or risk a shock early exit at the hands of former coach Rhulani Mokwena and his MC Alger side.
The decisive clash takes place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with Masandawana’s continental ambitions hanging in the balance.
Group C on a Knife-Edge
Group C remains wide open heading into the final round of fixtures:
Al-Hilal – 8 points
MC Alger – 7 points
Sundowns – 6 points
Saint-Éloi Lupopo – 5 points
All four teams still have a mathematical chance of progressing.
MC Alger require only a draw in Pretoria to book their place in the quarter-finals. Sundowns, however, must win to guarantee qualification. Anything less would likely see them eliminated.
In Kigali, Al-Hilal need just a draw against Lupopo to advance. A Lupopo win would complicate matters further, with head-to-head records deciding potential ties.
Cardoso vs Mokwena – A Familiar Battle
There is added intrigue to the encounter as current Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso faces former Masandawana mentor Rhulani Mokwena.
Cardoso famously eliminated Sundowns from the 2023-24 semi-finals while in charge of Esperance, defeating Mokwena’s side home and away. Now, the Portuguese tactician is under pressure to deliver a different outcome.
Domestically, Sundowns trail Orlando Pirates by three points in the Betway Premiership, increasing the urgency for a morale-boosting continental victory.
Meanwhile, Mokwena is enjoying an impressive campaign in Algeria. MC Alger sit seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1, with games in hand, and are on course for a strong domestic and continental season.
Team News
Sundowns received a major boost with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams returning from a groin injury. However, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Bathusi Aubaas, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Monnapule Saleng remain doubtful.
MC Alger will be without midfielder Mohamed Benkhemassa, who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.
Expected Line-ups
Sundowns:
Williams; Modiba, Kekana, Ndamane, Mudau; Adams, Allende, Mokoena; Santos, León, Sales.
MC Alger:
Guendouz; Khelif, Abdellaoui, Ghezala, Gassi; Zougrana, Bangoura, Benhaoua; Ferhat, Boukholda, Anatouf.
History on the Line
Sundowns have failed to reach the knockout stages only once since lifting the trophy in 2016 — in 2018 when they exited in the group stage.
MC Alger, meanwhile, are chasing consecutive quarter-final appearances for the first time since the 1970s.
With qualification, pride, and momentum at stake, Loftus Versfeld is set for a high-stakes encounter that could define both clubs’ seasons.