Mamelodi Sundowns’ Chances of Qualifying for CAFCL Round of 16 After Losing to Al Hilal
- Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of not making it to the next round in the CAF Champions League this season
- The Betway Premiership champions stumbled to a defeat in their reverse fixture against Sudanese side Al Hilal in Kigali
- A sports journalist during an interview with Briefly News shared his views on the Brazilians' chances of securing one of the tickets to the Round of 16
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Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered a major setback in their quest to secure a place in the Round of 16 of the CAF Champions League this season after losing their group stage second leg clash against Al Hilal on Friday, January 30, 2026.
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The first leg of the encounter between the 2016 African champions and the Sudanese giants ended in a 2-2 draw in South Africa
The Brazilians are now on a tight rope as their chances of qualifying for the knockout phase are in jeopardy, with two matches left to be played.
The Premier Soccer League giants are currently second in Group C, three points behind Al Hilal and one point ahead of Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
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Sundowns' chances of qualifying from Group C
Sports journalist Themba Modise, while chatting with Briefly News, aired his thoughts concerning Sundowns chances of qualifying for the next round of the prestigious African club football competition.
"Mamelodi Sundowns made it difficult for them qualify for the next round with that defeat against Al Hilal in Kigali, Rwanda," he said.
"Even at that, I do think the Brazilians have a good chance of sealing a place in the Round of 16. They just need to avoid another defeat in the remaining games left in the group stage.
"Another defeat could mean an early exit from the CAF Champions League, which would be a huge disappointment for Miguel Cardoso and his boys for failing to replicate last season's performance in which they made it to the final."
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Mokwena's threat and Cardoso's future
Modise also highlighted the team that could cause them problems in the remaining group games in the competition, and also what the future holds for Cardoso if the Brazilians end up failing to secure a place in the next round.
"I think the game against MC Alger might be the trickiest tie left for Sundowns, and it's for the obvious reason, Rulani Mokwena," he added.
"He knows us, and he's familiar with South African football, but we have a better squad and quality players to get past them.
"On Miguel Cardoso's future, I think the club should let him lead the team till the end of the season. Even if we get knocked out of the CAF Champions League, we don't need to break the momentum we have going in the Betway Premiership.
"I am optimistic about the CAF Champions League as we need another star on our crest by the end of this campaign."
SA international leaves Sundowns for Europe
Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana star has left Sundowns for a move to Europe after failing to make Cardoso's starting line-up.
The South African international is seeking enough playing time as he looks forward to making Bafana Bafana's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
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Source: Briefly News
