Mamelodi Sundowns have turned their attention to the CAF Champions League. The occasion is a high-profile clash against Sudanese giants Al-Hilal on Friday at 20:00 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The game comes after Sundowns beat Orbit College 2-0 in the Betway Premiership to move above Orlando Pirates at the top of the table.
SURPRISE CHANGES AGAINST ORBIT COLLEGE
In the game against Mswenko Boys, head coach Miguel Cardoso made six surprise changes, resting several senior players following AFCON duty.
One of the standout selections was 19-year-old left-back Thato Sibiya, while Keagan Johannes featured in central defence. The midfield also had a fresh look, with Sphelele Mkhulise and Jayden Adams forming a new partnership.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS AL HILAL IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
After losing last season’s final to Egypt’s Pyramids FC, Sundowns have their sights firmly set on going one step further and lifting Africa’s biggest club trophy.
Pyramids FC defeated Sundowns with a 3-2 aggregate score. The first leg, played on May 24, 2025, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Pyramids’ Walid El Karti scoring a crucial away goal in added time.
In the decisive second leg on June 1, 2025, at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Pyramids secured a 2-1 victory with goals from Fiston Mayele and Ahmed Samy.
Despite a late push and a goal from Iqraam Rayners, Sundowns could not find an equaliser, allowing the Egyptian club, founded in 2018, to make history and become the fourth Egyptian team to win the trophy.
EXPECTED STARTING LINE-UP AGAINST AL-HILAL THIS WEEKEND:
Coming back to the current edition, Kabo Yellow head into matchday three. The group stage began with a 3-1 win over Saint-Eloi Lupopo and a 0-0 away draw against MC Alger, coached by Rulani Mokwena.
Coach Cardoso is expected to call on his experienced core for the showdown:
Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Nuno Santos, Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales.
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