CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns Stumble Against Al Hilal in Rwanda

• Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a disappointing defeat against Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League in Kigali on Friday evening
• The Betway Premiership defending champions have moved down in the Group C table, with the Sudanese giants now on top
• The Pretoria giants now have two games left in the CAF Champions League group phase, with the Round of 16 qualification up for grabs

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Al Hilal in a CAF Champions League Group C fixture held at Stade Amahoro on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The Sudanese giants earned a deserving draw when they came to South Africa a week ago, and they've put the Brazilians' chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 at risk after defeating them in Kigali.

Al Hilal defeat Sundowns in Kigali

Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango retained his place in goal for Sundowns in the absence of Ronwen Williams, while Teboho Mokoena, Thato Sibiya, Khuliso Mudau, Nuno Santos and Tashreeq Matthews were recalled to the starting XI after the midweek league victory over Sekhukhune United.

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Cardoso’s side dominated possession in the opening exchanges of the first half, but Al Hilal showed intent whenever they moved forward, with both teams finding it difficult to create clear scoring chances.

Sundowns fashioned their first real opportunity after 15 minutes as Miguel Reisinho won possession high up the pitch and released Tashreeq Matthews, whose burst through on goal was halted by a fine save from Al Hilal goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo.

Al Hilal responded with a few warning shots of their own, as Mohamed Abdelrahman and Abdel Raouf tried their luck from range, though Onyango dealt comfortably with their attempts as the visitors struggled to penetrate the penalty area.

The home side finished the first half on the front foot and were awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Onyango was adjudged to have fouled Abdel Raouf. Abdelrahman made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give his team a narrow advantage at the interval.

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Shortly after the restart, Brayan Leon Muniz, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns in the January transfer window, outjumped his marker in the 47th minute but failed to direct his effort; the ball struck his thigh instead.

That miss proved costly for Sundowns, as Al Hilal doubled their advantage two minutes later when Jean Claude Girrumugisha fired a fierce low drive beyond Denis Onyango.

Arthur Sales later entered the fray and pulled one back in the 61st minute, finishing confidently into the top-right corner.

The visitors came close to drawing level in the 74th minute through Peter Shalulile, but Soufiane Ouedraogo reacted brilliantly to block the close-range attempt with his feet.

The victory moves Al Hilal to the summit of Group C on eight points, opening a three-point gap over Sundowns.

What's new for Mamelodi Sundowns?

Mamelodi Sundowns will face Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, starting at 19:00.

On Friday, 6 February 2026, the Tshwane outfits will travel to play St Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League at 18:00. Their next CAF Champions League match after that will be against Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger on Friday, 13 February 2026, with the game kicking off at 18:00.

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Bafana Bafana star moves to Europe

Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana star has left Sundowns for a move to Europe after failing to make Miguel Cardoso's starting line-up for most of the first half of the season.

The South African international is seeking enough playing time as he looks forward to making Bafana Bafana's squad for the FIFA World Cup coming up later this year in North America.

Source: Briefly News