Egyptian side FC Masar held two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a 0-0 draw as the CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2026 began with two stalemates in Group A.
The result at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia means all four teams in the group have one point after the opening round, following another goalless draw between Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles.
Masar’s performance denied Sundowns an opportunity to begin their campaign with a victory and also extended the Egyptian club’s unbeaten record against the South African side in the competition.
Sundowns, who lifted the continental trophy in 2021 and 2023, had arrived in Egypt hoping to make a strong start to their pursuit of a third title.
They were also looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat by Masar at the 2024 edition of the tournament.
However, the Egyptian hosts proved difficult to break down, maintaining their defensive organisation throughout an encounter in which neither side could find the decisive goal.
The first half produced little separation between the teams, with Sundowns midfielder Kholosa Biyana receiving the only yellow card before the interval in the 33rd minute.
Both sides went into the break without scoring, leaving the contest finely balanced.
Sundowns coach Godfrey Sapula attempted to change the direction of the match after the restart, making substitutions in the 64th and 78th minutes in an effort to inject fresh energy into his team.
Masar coach Abdelrahman Ayed also introduced changes during the closing stages as his side sought to maintain its resistance and possibly find a winning goal.
Despite the tactical adjustments, neither team was able to make a breakthrough, and the encounter ended without a goal.
For Masar, the draw represents another positive result against one of the continent’s most established women’s clubs.
Their previous meeting at the 2024 tournament ended in a 1-0 victory for the Egyptian side, and Sunday’s result ensured they remain unbeaten against Sundowns in the competition.
The South Africans, meanwhile, will have to wait for their first win on their return to the continental tournament.
They missed the 2025 edition and had hoped to mark their comeback with a convincing opening performance.
Earlier in the day, FUS Rabat and Lekié Football Filles had also been unable to find the net in their meeting, producing an identical 0-0 scoreline.
The two results leave the four Group A participants level on one point, with no team having established an advantage in the race for the semi-finals.
With only two qualification places available, the upcoming fixtures will carry added importance as the teams look to separate themselves from their rivals.
