Following a tightly contested first-leg semifinal in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, the focus shifts to the decisive second leg between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo, a fixture laden with historical significance and compelling narratives.
Whilst South African representatives Mamelodi Sundowns found themselves unable to fully exploit their home advantage, SBN brings you three factors to consider ahead of the ensuing crunch encounter!
- Packed Cairo Stadium:
Egyptian football royalty Al Ahly has long been a powerhouse in African club football, securing an impressive four CAF Champions League titles in the last five editions and a total of 12 overall – eight more than their closest rivals, TP Mazembe and Zamalek. With their sights set on a 13th title, the Red Devils are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit. Recognizing the pivotal nature of the second leg against a formidable Masandawana side, the club successfully appealed to Egyptian authorities to allow full capacity at the iconic Cairo International Stadium.
Typically, continental club matches in Egypt are capped at 30,000 attendees, as witnessed in Stellenbosch’s recent victory over Zamalek in the Confederation Cup. However, Al Ahly’s persuasive argument, emphasizing the significance of the fixture and the undeniable impact of a fervent home crowd, has been heeded.
This means that Mamelodi Sundowns will face not only the daunting task of overcoming Al Ahly on their home turf but will also have to contend with a deafening atmosphere generated by up to 75,000 passionate Al Ahly supporters. This full-throated backing will undoubtedly provide a significant psychological and emotional advantage to the Egyptian giants.
- Themba Zwane’s Return:
The goalless stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld leaves the semifinal finely balanced, setting the stage for a potentially tense return fixture at the Cairo International Stadium – a venue where Mamelodi Sundowns have historically struggled to secure positive results. In this context, the potential impact of veteran midfielder Themba Zwane cannot be overstated.
Zwane, a revered figure within South African football and long considered one of the most gifted players to wear the Sundowns jersey, has recently penned a one-year contract extension, dispelling earlier uncertainties surrounding his future. This new deal underscores his enduring importance to the club, both on and off the field. His return to fitness is a significant boost for the Brazilians, especially considering he had been sidelined since October after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon – a serious injury initially feared to be career-threatening sustained during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Despite still being some way off from full match fitness, the 35-year-old Bafana Bafana international made a symbolic 20-minute appearance in the first leg against Al Ahly. While coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged that Zwane is not yet ready for a full 90 minutes, he praised the club’s medical team for their exceptional work in his recovery and highlighted the value of exposing him to the game in controlled situations. Zwane’s experience, vision, and ability to unlock defenses could prove to be the crucial difference-maker for Sundowns as they aim to break their Cairo hoodoo.
- Sundowns’ Historical Challenge:
Al Ahly’s dominance in the CAF Champions League is further amplified by their formidable record on home soil. They remain undefeated in the competition at the Cairo International Stadium since 2021, a testament to their strength and the intimidating atmosphere they cultivate. This impressive streak will undoubtedly embolden the Egyptian giants as they aim to secure their place in what would be a record-extending 15th Champions League final.
While Mamelodi Sundowns have enjoyed a period of relative success against Al Ahly in recent continental encounters, winning four and drawing three of their last seven clashes, their away record against the North African powerhouse tells a different story. Their journeys to the north have yielded two draws and a loss, highlighting the significant challenge they face in overturning Al Ahly on their own turf.
The goalless draw in Pretoria means that for Sundowns to progress to the final, they must achieve something they haven’t managed in previous visits to Cairo: secure a victory. Overcoming Al Ahly’s resolute defense and their formidable home advantage will require a monumental effort from the runaway Betway Premiership log leaders.