CAF Champions League: Why Mamelodi Sundowns Can’t Underestimate Stade Malien Despite First-Leg Win

• Mamelodi Sundowns have been warned not to underestimate Stade Malien ahead of their CAF Champions League quarter-finals second leg
• The Betway Premiership giants won the first leg of the tie in South Africa, but will travel to Bamako, Mali, for the second leg of the encounter
• A football analyst, while chatting with Briefly News, explained why the Brazilians should still fear Stade Malien despite winning the first leg

Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a huge step in securing a place in the last four of the CAF Champions League this season after defeating Stade Malien 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-finals.

The Premier Soccer League giants took advantage of playing the first leg at home as they destroyed the Malian side at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Bafana Bafana defender Kuliso Mudau scored the first goal of the game before January winter signing Brayan Leon added another in the second half. Former Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners continued his recent impressive form as he added the third in the closing stages of the match.

Read also

What could stop Sundowns from overtaking Pirates in the Betway Premiership

Miguel Cardoso and his boys are on course to secure a back-to-back semi-final ticket in the CAF number one club competition, but they've been warned ahead of the mouthwatering second leg fixture in Bamako, Mali, on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Sundowns warned about Stade Malien

Football analyst Uche Anuma, while in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, warned Sundowns players and their coach not to underestimate Stade Malien despite their resounding victory in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

He claimed that, as the Brazilians used the home advantage in their favour, the Malian side would hope to do the same in the return leg.

"Mamelodi Sundowns need to be very careful in the second leg against Stade Malien, because this is the time complacency set in," he said.

"We've seen that in continental games this season, Sundowns have not been at their best, and it's not the players' fault, because they might get to Mali on Friday and meet a substandard pitch or condition that would make the tie difficult for them."

Favourites to win CAF Champions League

Anuma also shared his thoughts on the teams he believes are favourites to win the CAF Champions League this season.

Read also

Ethan Chislett sidelined for Durban City clash, club reveals reason

"It is difficult to select favourites because the group phase was tough for all the teams, especially Mamelodi Sundowns, but I feel they are among the favourites, having finished runner-up last season and still waxing strong this campaign," he added.

"Pyramids FC are another team that could win the competition, and the almighty Al Ahly, though they lost in their first leg of the quarter-finals against another top side, Esperance of Tunisia.

"I love how this season's edition is taking shape as there are no clear favourites, everyone is trying to qualify for the semi-finals."

Cardoso warns Sundowns players

Briefly News also reported that Cardoso issued a stern warning to his Mamelodi Sundowns players after their resounding victory over Stade Malien.

The former Rio Ave head coach outlined the reason the Brazilians need to be focused on their next two matches.

Source: Briefly News