Mamelodi Sundowns Facing CAF Champions League Exit After Dropping Points Against Lupopo

• Mamelodi Sundowns are at risk of an early exit from the CAF Champions League after dropping points against Saint-Éloi Lupopo
• The Tshwane outfit was held by the Democratic Republic of Congo side in their fifth game in the group phase of the competition
• Miguel Cardoso and his team will face a familiar foe in their last group stage match, and will need maximum points to qualify

Mamelodi Sundowns' hopes of qualifying to the next stage in the CAF Champions League hang in the balance as they dropped points against Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the group stage at the Stade TP Mazembe, Lubumbashi, on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Following last week’s 2–1 defeat to Al Hilal in Rwanda, which saw the Sudanese side climb to the top of Group C, the match at Stade TP Mazembe carried heightened pressure for head coach Miguel Cardoso and his players as they could be faced with an early exit from the competition.

Read also

How Miguel Cardoso can secure his future at Mamelodi Sundowns this season

Cardoso led the Brazilians to the final last season, but failed to win the title after losing to Pyramids FC. It seems the Portuguese might not be replicating the last campaign's performance this year.

Sundowns drop points against Lupopo

Mamelodi Sundowns were strengthened by the return of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while Arthur Sales, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau and Nuno Santos were all restored to the starting XI following their involvement in the midweek Nedbank Cup fixture.

The Tshwane outfit showed their attacking intent from the outset, with centre-back Khulumani Ndamane climbing highest to meet a corner kick, only to glance his header just wide of the target.

That early chance would come back to haunt Sundowns, as Lupopo broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Enock Lihozasia found the net, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

Sundowns pushed for an equaliser as the half wore on but found clear openings hard to come by, despite some promising link-up play between Arthur Sales and Peter Shalulile. The pattern persisted until the interval, with neither side able to add to the scoring before the break.

Read also

Explained: Factors that could see Sundowns sack Miguel Cardoso before season end

Miguel Cardoso rang the changes immediately after the interval, introducing January signing Brayan Leon in place of Shalulile as his side sought a route back into the match.

The South African champions restored parity ten minutes into the second half when Jayden Adams rose to meet a corner kick and emphatically headed home, marking his first goal of the group-stage campaign.

Although both teams pressed aggressively for a late decisive goal, neither could break the deadlock, and the match ended in a draw. The result leaves all four teams still mathematically in contention for a place in the knockout rounds heading into the final fixtures.

Sundowns now face a crucial test at Loftus Versfeld against MC Alger, who are coached by former Sundowns boss and popular figure Rulani Mokwena.

What's left for Sundowns this season?

Despite dropping points against Lupopo in Lubumbashi, Sundowns are still in contention of qualifying for the next round to keep their dream of winning the CAF Champions League intact this season.

They are also part of the favourites to win the Betway Premiership despite losing their top spot to Orlando Pirates a few days ago. The Brazilians are second in the league standings, three points behind the Sea Robbers.

Read also

Kaizer Chiefs on brink of CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals after beating Al Masry

In the Nedbank Cup, they are in the Round of 16, which means they can still finish the season with three trophies if they put in a good performance in all the tournaments they are still competing.

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.

Source: Briefly News