Mamelodi Sundowns Qualify for CAF Champions League Quarter Finals After Defeating MC Alger

• Mamelodi Sundowns have booked a place in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals after winning their last group game this weekend
• The Betway Premiership defending champions defeated MC Alger, who are being coached by their former head coach, Rulani Mokwena
• The Tshwane Outfit's investment during the January transfer window paid off as one of their recruits secured their qualification into the next round

Mamelodi Sundowns have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League after defeating Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger in their final group game at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Brayan Leon, who joined the Brazilians during the January transfer window, scored a brace, with goals coming in each half, to deliver all three points for the Premier Soccer League giants against the Algerian side.

Mokwena's side were unable to get the required result against the Betway Premiership defending champions as they head back to Algeria with an elimination ticket rather than the quarter-finals' ticket.

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Sundowns defeat Mokwena's MC Alger

Mamelodi Sundowns had to cope without suspended midfielder Nuno Santos, prompting a reshuffle in the lineup. Tashreeq Matthews returned to the starting XI, while Leon was handed the responsibility of leading the attack in place of the veteran Namibian striker Peter Shalulile.

That selection by Miguel Carodos proved decisive almost immediately in the opening minutes of the game. Within five minutes, goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz could only push Arthur Sales’ effort into danger, and Leon reacted quickest, calmly converting the rebound to register his first goal in the tournament since joining the club.

The visitors struggled to gain ground for much of the first half, spending long periods without possession as the Brazilians were dominant in all departments.

However, the Algerian giants came close to levelling the scoreline in the 24th minute when a corner created an opening, but Moslem Anatouf failed to direct his close-range volley on target from six yards out, offering zero threat to Ronwen Williams in Sundowns' goal.

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As the first half progressed, Sundowns continued to dominate but were unable to convert their possession into goals. Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike, while the hosts remained defensively disciplined, limiting the Algerian giants' passage into their penalty area.

The first half ended with Masandawana being the better side and could have scored more goals, while Mokwena's team failed to threaten Williams throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The second half started differently from the first as several fouls disrupted plays, with the two sides' players having issues with themselves.

Sundowns extended their advantage in the 63rd minute when Leon struck again from a cross from Aubrey Modiba, converting from close range to complete his brace.

MC Alger tried to claw back into the game, but failed to create clear-cut chances as Sundowns' defensive structure remained solid all through the minutes left in the match.

The Brazilians progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition after finishing second place behind Al Hilal, and would be looking forward to their next opponent in the competition.

What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns?

Mamelodi Sundowns' next focus would be on the Betway Premiership as they would be facing the league leaders, Orlando Pirates, at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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The Pretoria giants need a win against the Sea Robbers for them to be able to reduce the points gap as they aim to retain the Betway Premiership title for the ninth time this season.

They would also have one eye on the CAF Champions League quarter-final draw. According to renowned African journalist Eric Ndagijimana, the draw is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Mokwena speaks on allegations levelled against him

Briefly News earlier reported that Mokwena broke his silence concerning allegations levelled against him about spying on Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their CAF Champions League tie.

The South African tactician clarified what transpired between him and the Brazilians' coaching crew before the game on Saturday.

Source: Briefly News