Mamelodi Sundowns remain in contention for further domestic honours and a major FIFA trophy despite their early CAF Champions League exit and defeat by USM Alger in the Super Cup.
The Brazilians have already lifted the MTN8 this season, beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 in the final on 10 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners were the scorers, according to the PSL.
However, their defence of the CAF Champions League title ended before the group stage. Sundowns drew 1-1 with Wiliete SC in the second preliminary round and were eliminated on the away goals rule on 23 October in Pretoria, following a goalless draw in Angola.
Their continental disappointment continued on 8 November, when USM Alger defeated them in the Super Cup in Pretoria. The CAF Confederation Cup winners scored three times, with Rayners briefly restoring parity in the first half before the Algerian side secured victory.
Domestic targets remain
Despite those setbacks, Sundowns can still pursue a clean sweep of the available domestic honours. They lead the PSL standings with 26 points, one ahead of Orlando Pirates, who are second on 25.
The reigning PSL champions have also reached the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup. The PSL says the last-four matches will be played on 21 November, although the details are yet to be confirmed.
The Nedbank Cup will begin on 27 January next year, with the final scheduled for 1 May, 2027. Durban City are the holders after beating TS Galaxy in last season’s final, according to the PSL.
There are still four domestic trophies to compete for this term, while Sundowns also have an opportunity to claim a significant international prize in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Sundowns progressed to the Challenger Cup after beating Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 19 September in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup round, a result confirmed by FIFA.
They will meet either Mexico’s Toluca FC or the 2026 Copa Libertadores champion in the Challenger Cup. If they win that tie, the South African side will face Paris Saint-Germain in the main Intercontinental Cup.
That route could give Sundowns the chance to share the history books with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, but their immediate focus will be on recovering from the Super Cup loss and maintaining their domestic momentum.
