Sundowns, Yanga, Al Ahly Claim Big Continental Wins

African giants delivered commanding performances across the continent as Mamelodi Sundowns, Young Africans, and Al Ahly all secured vital victories in their group-stage outings.

Sundowns Power Past Lupopo With Confident 3–1 Win

Mamelodi Sundowns showcased composure, quality, and attacking depth as they opened their campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Saint Eloi Lupopo.

The Brazilians made a dream start, striking inside four minutes. Miguel Reisinho picked out Nuno Santos with a beautifully weighted through ball, and the Portuguese forward tucked home calmly to give Sundowns an early 1–0 lead. The hosts continued to dictate proceedings, with Tashreeq Matthews coming agonisingly close twice—first missing a clear chance before a powerful header rattled the crossbar in the 28th minute.

Despite Sundowns’ control, Lupopo found a lifeline just before the break. Poor marking allowed Ramos Kashala Wanet to sneak in at the near post and finish from a tight angle, levelling the score at 1–1 at half-time.

Sundowns responded with maturity and precision after the restart. Nuno Santos created the breakthrough in the 61st minute, threading a perfect ball to Marcelo Allende, who placed a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner for 2–1. Lupopo grew increasingly frustrated and resorted to physical challenges, with Wanet booked for a reckless tackle on Teboho Mokoena.

The hosts sealed the win in the 77th minute. Arthur Sales delivered a pinpoint cross and Santos rose highest to plant a header into the bottom corner—his second of the match—to make it 3–1. From there, Sundowns closed out the game confidently, securing a strong start as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.

Young Africans Edge FAR Rabat in Tactical 1–0 Battle

Young Africans claimed a hard-earned 1–0 win over FAR Rabat in Dar es Salaam, relying on discipline, structure, and a moment of brilliance from Prince Dube.

After a balanced first half that offered few clear chances, the breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute. Mudathir Yahya sliced open the Moroccan defence with a clever through ball, allowing Dube to race into the box and finish clinically into the bottom corner.

Yanga controlled the tempo from then on, defending compactly and frustrating the visitors, who failed to produce any meaningful threat in the closing stages. The Tanzanian champions protected their narrow lead with maturity to claim a massive three points at home.

Al Ahly Thrash Kabylie 4–1 With Second-Half Dominance

Al Ahly delivered a powerful statement with a commanding 4–1 victory over Kabylie, combining ruthless finishing with sustained attacking pressure.

The Egyptian giants took control early when Trézéguet rose highest to head in Zizo’s corner in the 36th minute. Moments later, Mohamed Sherif doubled the lead with a sharp finish following a clever pass from Achraf Bencharki, giving Ahly a comfortable 2–0 advantage at the break.

Kabylie briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when an unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made it 2–1. But the African champions responded immediately, restoring control and keeping the pressure high.

Trézéguet added his second in the 84th minute, slotting a composed effort into the bottom corner after a slick assist from Taher Mohamed. A late own goal by Mohamed Hadid sealed the result, capping a dominant performance that reinforced Al Ahly’s status as a continental powerhouse.