Inside Mamelodi Sundowns’ Dressing Room: Jubilant Scenes After CAF Final Berth

Inside Mamelodi Sundowns’ Dressing Room: Jubilant Scenes After CAF Final Berth

  • Mamelodi Sundowns players broke into wild celebrations in the dressing room after securing a CAF Champions League final spot, with scenes of joy captured and shared by the club
  • Fans across X (formerly Twitter) praised the team’s performance, with standout mentions for Ronwen Williams and coach Miguel Cardoso, highlighting the emotional impact of the win for South African football
  • Sundowns booked their first CAF Champions League final since 2016, signalling a bold statement of intent on the continent, built on resilience, tactical precision, and squad unity

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Mamelodi Sundowns’ players exploded into celebration in the dressing room moments after booking their spot in the CAF Champions League final in dramatic fashion.

The Cairo International Stadium may have fallen silent, but behind closed doors, the sound of jubilation was deafening.

The opening five minutes saw both sides refusing to back down in a tightly-contested start
Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off with electric intensity as both sides looked to stamp their authority early. Image: KHALED DESOUKI
Source: Getty Images

A video shared by the club captured scenes of pure joy — players singing, dancing, and embracing each other in a moment of continental glory.

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Netizens react: Mzansi unites behind Sundowns

Social media erupted following Sundowns’ dramatic qualification. Supporters, rival fans, and even neutral football lovers flooded platforms with reactions, memes, and messages of praise.

Here’s how X (formerly Twitter) reacted:

@Lebo_ThePoet:

“Sundowns didn’t just beat Al Ahly, they beat the ghost of Cairo! What a night!”

@ThaboTactics:

“Ronwen Williams deserves a statue. That near-post save? Championship material. #Sundowns”

@LeratoSunflower:

“From Lucas Ribeiro’s denied penalty to that own goal — the football gods were with us. We’re in the FINAL!”

@Moeketsi_Mo:

“Cardoso is HIM. No debates. Outcoached Al Ahly in their own backyard. #CAFCL”

@Sbu_Madiba:

“SA football needed this. Thank you Sundowns for flying the flag high!”

A statement to the continent

The win marks Sundowns' first final appearance since 2016, a powerful statement from a side that’s been knocking on the door of greatness for years. Their journey to this point has been built on tactical discipline, squad depth, and mental resilience.

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As South African fans prepare for the final, one thing is certain — The Brazilians have reminded Africa of their pedigree. Now, all eyes turn to the grand finale.

Miguel Cardoso opens up on how Mamelodi Sundowns eliminated Al Ahly from the CAF Champions League
Miguel Cardoso explains how they outsmarted Al Ahly in the return leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final tie in Cairo. Photo: @Masandawana
Source: Twitter

Cardoso reflects on Mamelodi Sundowns' triumph

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso reflected on his side’s dramatic CAF Champions League semi-final victory over Al Ahly, crediting complete trust in their journey, tactics, and each other.

After a goalless draw in the first leg, Sundowns held Al Ahly to a 1-1 draw in Cairo, advancing to the final on away goals. Cardoso spoke about the team’s resilience under pressure, their belief even after falling behind, and the tactical discipline that frustrated the 75,000-strong home crowd.

The Brazilians now prepare to face Pyramids FC in the final, chasing continental glory.

Sundowns struggling to keep R50m Bafana star

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns are finding it hard to keep a Bafana Bafana star valued at close to R50 million, amid interest from Europe.

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A club in the French Ligue 1 have reportedly made an enquiry about the South African international and they are willing to match Masandawana's demands in the summer.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a passionate sports journalist with six years of experience covering African and global sports. Harrison provides sharp analysis, engaging commentary, and compelling storytelling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za