CAF Champions League: Mokwena’s MC Alger hand Mamelodi Sundowns a lifeline

A dramatic turn of events in Group C of the CAF Champions League has seen coach Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger reignite their hopes for a coveted play-off berth.

After securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Saint-Eloi Lupopo in Algiers on Sunday, MC Alger have moved off the bottom of the log. The result marks MC Alger’s first win of the campaign, netting them four pivotal points and moving them into a commendable third place.

The implications of this victory ripple through the standings, particularly impacting Mamelodi Sundowns, who currently sit in second place with five points. Sundowns, facing pressure from both MC Alger and their recent defeat to the formidable Sudanese outfit Al-Hilal SC, are now acutely aware that every point is paramount as they seek to secure one of the two spots in the knockout stages.

Al-Hilal SC lead the group with eight points after their 2-1 win over Sundowns in Rwanda on Friday night, underscoring their dominance. The intensity increases as teams navigate the complexities of the group stage, with Sundowns mindful that, without MC Alger’s victory, Saint-Eloi Lupopo would have surged to second place with seven points.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has acknowledged the tight race and the significance of the upcoming matches. He noted the unpredictability of Group C, suggesting the results of the final round of matches may decide the final positions.

After returning from Rwanda — where Sudan’s Al-Hilal play their home games — Sundowns face a challenging week as they strive to maintain momentum in both domestic and continental competitions.

On Wednesday evening, Sundowns take on Gomora United, a side from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, in a Nedbank Cup match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. A win would not only boost their morale but also reaffirm their status as a top contender in South African football.

Following Wednesday’s match, Sundowns will find themselves jetting off again, this time for an equally critical encounter against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the DRC. Scheduled for Sunday, this Group C match presents distinct challenges, including altitude and an opponent eager to secure victory in front of their home crowd.