Mamelodi Sundowns appear best placed to secure a place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals as the competition resumes this weekend with decisive quarter-final second-leg fixtures.
The South African side hold a commanding 3-0 advantage over Stade Malien following an emphatic first-leg victory at Loftus Versfeld. Goals from Khuliso Mudau, Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners ensured a comfortable result, leaving Stade Malien with a significant task in Sunday’s return leg at the Stade du 26 Mars.
Despite their strong position, Sundowns’ away form in this season’s competition may offer a glimmer of hope to their opponents. Miguel Cardoso’s side have yet to win on the road, drawing against MC Alger and Saint-Eloi Lupopo, while suffering defeat to Al Hilal during the group stage. Nevertheless, their first-leg advantage makes them clear favourites to progress.
In another key tie, Al Ahly face a difficult task as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit against ES Tunis. The Egyptian club were beaten in the first leg by a Mohamed Amine Tougai penalty and will need to rediscover their scoring touch, having failed to score in their last three matches across all competitions.
Sunday’s fixtures also include a closely contested encounter between Al Hilal and RS Berkane at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The first leg ended in dramatic fashion, with Mounir Chouiar scoring deep into stoppage time to earn RS Berkane a draw after Abdel Raouf had put Al Hilal ahead early in the match.
Al Hilal will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record at their adopted home venue, while RS Berkane will take confidence from their late equaliser as they seek to progress.
Across the four ties, the balance of advantage varies significantly. While Sundowns appear to be in control of their quarter-final, the other fixtures remain finely poised, with narrow margins separating the teams.
The second-leg matches are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, March 21
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18:00: Pyramids FC vs AS FAR
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21:00: Al Ahly vs ES Tunis
Sunday, March 22
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18:00: Al Hilal vs RS Berkane
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18:00: Stade Malien vs Mamelodi Sundowns
With semi-final places at stake, the weekend’s fixtures are expected to provide decisive outcomes in Africa’s premier club competition.
