Sundowns Target Redemption in Kigali as CAF Group Stage Hits Halfway Mark
in the return leg of their CAF Champions League Group C clash at the Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda on Friday night (21:00).
After being held to a frustrating 2–2 draw at Loftus Versfeld last week, Sundowns know there is little room for error as the group stage reaches its halfway point. With just one win and two draws from their opening three matches, the Tshwane giants must now start converting performances into maximum points if they are to secure top spot in the group.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso admitted his side paid the price for costly mistakes in the first leg, despite producing a strong overall display.
“We played a good match at home against a strong opponent, but we were punished by the mistakes we made,” Cardoso said.
“We are excited to play here in good conditions. Let’s hope we have the spirit to fight until the end because we have the conditions to do that.”
Cardoso stressed that Sundowns have travelled to Kigali with clear intent, urging his players to show total commitment in a fixture that could shape the final outcome of Group C.
Versatile defender Thapelo Morena echoed the coach’s sentiments, saying the squad is fully aware of where they fell short last week.
“We know how important it is to get victories, especially at home, and we made two errors that we were punished for,” Morena said.
“Now we have to minimise those mistakes and take the chances we create.”
Both Sundowns and Al-Hilal are level on points, separated only by goal difference, making Friday’s encounter a pivotal moment in the group.
CAF Champions League Matchday 4: What Else to Watch
With the competition now at its halfway stage, Matchday 4 promises decisive movement across all four groups as teams either strengthen their quarter-final push or fight to stay alive.
Group C: Mokwena Faces Pirates’ Slayers
On Sunday, South African coach Rulani Mokwena leads MC Alger into a tricky away clash against St Éloi Lupopo in DR Congo. Lupopo carry added intrigue for South African fans after knocking Orlando Pirates out of the competition earlier in the tournament. Depending on Sundowns’ result in Kigali, this fixture could significantly tighten the group standings.
Group A: Heavyweights Collide
Defending champions Pyramids FC host Morocco’s RS Berkane on Sunday in a top-of-the-table showdown, with both sides locked on seven points. Elsewhere, Rivers United welcome Power Dynamos in Nigeria.
Group B: Al Ahly Tested in Tanzania
Record champions Al Ahly travel to face Young Africans in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, aiming to edge closer to qualification. Later in the evening, AS FAR Rabat take on JS Kabylie in another finely balanced contest.
Group D: Barker’s Simba Seek Momentum
South African tactician Steve Barker continues his early tenure at Simba SC with a crucial home clash against Espérance de Tunis on Sunday. A win could propel Simba back into serious contention for a knockout-stage place. The group opens on Saturday with Petro Atlético hosting Stade Malien.
Where to Watch in South Africa
All CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures will be broadcast live on SuperSport, with selected matches also available on SABC Sport via television and SABC+ streaming. Viewers are advised to check updated schedules for exact channel listings.
As the margins tighten across the continent, the spotlight remains firmly on Sundowns — and whether they can turn promise into progress when it matters most.