CAF Wrap: Sundowns secure home win, Chiefs lose to Al masry

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Mamelodi Sundowns sealed an important home victory in Pretoria as the CAF Champions League group stage kicked-off on Saturday, while Kaizer Chiefs suffered a last-gasp loss to Al Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF confederation Cup began on Saturday with a convincing home win for Mamelodi Sundowns against St. Lupopo, with Kaizer Chiefs suffering a 2-1 loss to Al Masry away from home.

Sundowns, who were semi-finalists last season and are regarded as front-runners in Group C, overcame an early setback to defeat DR Congo’s St Éloi Lupopo 3–1 at Loftus Versveld. Masandawana started strongly and went ahead inside five minutes when Nuno Santos completed a structured attacking move initiated by Miguel Reisinho.

Lupopo responded with greater composure as the first half progressed and capitalised on a defensive lapse shortly before the interval, with Wanet Kashala’s equaliser briefly shifting momentum.

Sundowns reasserted control in the second 45 minutes, restoring the lead through Marcelo Allende on 61 minutes following another incisive exchange involving Santos. Substitute Arthur Sales then set up Santos for his second of the match in the 77th minute, securing a result that reflected Sundowns’ depth and sustained pressure.

Aubrey Modiba and Kashala were cautioned during a tense second-half spell, but the home side managed the tempo efficiently to close out the match.

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Kaizer Chiefs opened their CAF Confederation Cup Group D campaign with a 2–1 defeat to Al Masry at Suez Stadium on Sunday, ending their first continental assignment on a frustrating note after conceding in the closing stages.

Both teams approached the match with clear intent in the early exchanges, but the opening phase yielded few meaningful chances. Possession was balanced, and the first 15 minutes produced largely exploratory attacks without sustained pressure on either goalkeeper.

The most notable moment of the half came when Kingsley Eduwo broke into space for the hosts, only for Bradley Cross to intervene decisively with a well-timed block that prevented a likely opener.

The second half opened with greater urgency from Al Masry, prompting immediate involvement from Brandon Petersen. The Chiefs goalkeeper made a key save to deny a close-range header and was required again shortly thereafter as the Egyptians pressed with increasing assertiveness.

Sustained pressure culminated in the 56th minute when Petersen’s attempt to halt Mahmoud Hamada’s run into the box resulted in a penalty. The referee awarded the spot kick without hesitation, and Rwandan midfielder Bonheur Mugisha converted to give Al Masry a 1–0 advantage.

Chiefs responded quickly, finding an equaliser moments later through Dillan Solomons. The full-back drove forward on a direct run, navigating through defensive gaps before producing a composed finish that restored parity and briefly shifted momentum.

However, the match turned decisively in the closing minutes. With regulation time approaching, Al Masry reclaimed the lead from a set piece. Chiefs failed to clear Mohamed Hashem’s header from a corner, and Inacio Miguel’s mistimed defensive effort created the opening for the hosts to score from close range, making it 2–1.

Al Masry managed the remaining minutes effectively, securing all three points and placing early pressure on Chiefs ahead of their upcoming Group D fixture against Zamalek.

– Edited from CAF website

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

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