Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for a pivotal CAF Champions League encounter that could shape their campaign.
On Saturday, 14 February, Masandawana host MC Alger at Loftus Versfeld in a clash where only a win will suffice.
Anything less than a win would leave them staring at possible elimination — a particularly stinging prospect with former Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena now in charge of the Algerian outfit.
Current head coach Miguel Cardoso is aware of the challenge, having eliminated Mokwena’s team at the semi-final stage last season while in charge of Esperance.
Group C is finely balanced heading into the fixture. Al-Hilal sit top on eight points, MC Alger follow with seven, Sundowns are on six, and Saint-Éloi Lupopo remain in the hunt with five. With all four sides still able to advance, Saturday’s showdown carries enormous pressure.
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Mamelodi Sundowns Defender Grant Kekana highlighted the magnitude of the occasion in his pre-match comments:
“We’re preparing thoroughly for Saturday. It’s going to be a tough contest, and it’s a must-win for us. We’re calling on our supporters to come out in numbers — we’ll need that 12th man behind us,” Kekana told reporters.
The call for backing from the stands comes amid a slight dip in domestic form. Orlando Pirates currently lead the league — a position Sundowns have typically held at this point in the season. The shift has intensified scrutiny and raised expectations around how Cardoso’s side responds.
Yet inside the Sundowns camp, there is belief rather than panic.
“Results haven’t gone our way lately, but it’s not for a lack of effort. We simply need to raise our level,” Kekana added. “We’re not far off; it’s about applying ourselves consistently, from the training ground to match day.”