Sundowns have always met Egyptian counterparts in the three finals they have appeared in, with the first being Al Ahly, Zamalek in 2016 and Pyramids last season.

Sundowns mentor, Miguel Cardoso, has been unlucky in this competition, having reached the final in back-to-back seasons.

The Downs coach played in the 2023/24 final at the helm of Tunisian giants Esperance. The three-time Champions League winners were defeated by Al Ahly.

Orlando Pirates’ slayers, Saint-Éloi Lupopo, have been drawn in the same group, but their participation is marred by a potential expulsion from this season’s edition.

The Congolese side are understood to have fielded two ineligible players while their coach was meant to be serving suspension after his transgressions in the Under-20 level.

The Buccaneers have since lodged an appeal with the Confederation of African Football, and if the jury is one Pirates’ side – chances of being parachuted into the group stages are high.

As though it were rigged, former Downs coach Rhulani Mokwena will face Sundowns in the group stages, becoming the second ex-Masandawana mentor to meet his former employers in the Champions League after Pitso Mosimane confronted the Brazilians with Al Ahly.

Written by Michaelson Gumede