Mamelodi Sundowns have advanced to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, joining Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly, Pyramids, Al Hilal, FAR Rabat, MC Alger, and Esperance. Despite a 1-1 draw in their final group stage game, the Brazilians secured their spot in the last eight.

Sundowns showcased dominance in the first half, dictating play and creating several scoring opportunities. However, their control waned in the second stanza, allowing their opponents to equalize late in the match.

Speaking after the game, head coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his frustration with the team’s lapse in focus:

“Bitter sensation was when we arrived here that the group was very difficult and this was a very tough group from the very beginning and the situation was not comfortable. So arriving in the end and going through the group stage I think is obviously an accomplishment.”

“When we are winning a game, 20 minutes to finish it and with the total control of the game, we don’t expect to get the draw. We just expect to finish the game and win. It’s football; you need to pay attention on the details. As I told you, I think it’s a little bit stupid goal, the one we suffer. In the end, of course, you don’t get first position, but that will not speak for us. What will speak is what we’re gonna do in the next moment. Let’s wait for the draw and see what will happen then.”

The CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw is set to produce some intriguing clashes, with the eight qualified teams divided into seeded and unseeded pots:

Seeded Teams:

• Al Hilal

• FAR Rabat

• Orlando Pirates

• Esperance

Unseeded Teams:

• MC Alger

• Mamelodi Sundowns

• Al Ahly

• Pyramids

Who Could Sundowns Face?

As an unseeded side, Sundowns face the possibility of meeting one of the tournament’s heavyweights, including:

• Al Hilal – A team with a solid defensive record and formidable home support.

• Orlando Pirates – A potential all-South African derby that would captivate fans.

• Esperance – The Tunisian giants boast experience and pedigree in continental football.

Sundowns will now focus on the knockout stage, knowing the margin for error shrinks with every round. The second-half dip in their final group game will serve as a learning point as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.

With the quarterfinal draw looming, Sundowns’ fans will eagerly anticipate their next opponent as the race for continental glory heats up.