Sundowns’ Champions League Hopes Hang in the Balance After Lupopo Draw
Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League campaign is under serious threat following a disappointing 1-1 draw against FC Saint Eloi Lupopo at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Sunday.
The result leaves Sundowns third in Group C with six points from five matches, one point behind second-placed MC Alger—coached by former Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena—and two adrift of group leaders Al Hilal. Lupopo remain bottom of the group with five points but are still firmly in contention for a knockout-stage berth heading into the final round of fixtures next weekend.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Sundowns now face a must-win encounter against MC Alger in their final group match in Pretoria if they are to secure progression to the quarter-finals.
The draw underlines a frustrating Champions League campaign for the Tshwane giants, who have managed just one win in five group matches so far.
Lupopo took the lead in the 19th minute when Enoch Molia finished from close range after being picked out by Jean Tukumbane with a low pass across the box. The Congolese side held their advantage into half-time on the challenging Astroturf surface in Lubumbashi, a situation that temporarily dropped Sundowns to the bottom of Group C.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso demanded a response during the break, and his side emerged with renewed urgency in the second half. Their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Aubrey Modiba’s corner was met by Jayden Adams, who headed the ball back across goal to level the score.
Although the equaliser lifted Sundowns back into third place, it was still not enough to move them into the automatic qualification spots. From that point on, Sundowns dominated proceedings and pushed hard for a winner.
The clearest chance came in the 72nd minute when Grant Kekana struck from close range, only to see his effort crash against the upright—an opportunity that could prove costly given the fine margins in Group C.
Despite sustained pressure, Sundowns were unable to find a decisive second goal, setting up a high-stakes showdown against MC Alger next weekend in Pretoria. With their Champions League future on the line, anything less than victory could spell an early exit and heap further pressure on Cardoso.
