Exactly ten years ago, Mamelodi Sundowns achieved what no South African club had managed in over two decades: they conquered the continent. Until that historic night, the class of 1995 from Orlando Pirates stood as the nation’s only CAF Champions League winners.
Fast forward to 2026, and Masandawana find themselves exactly 90 minutes away from adding a coveted second star to their crest. Armed with a 1-0 first-leg advantage secured in Tshwane courtesy of an Aubrey Modiba free-kick stunner, Sundowns are preparing for an intense, hostile second-leg battle against AS FAR at the Stade Moulay Abdallah in Rabat this Sunday, 24 May.
To cross the finish line in Morocco, Manqoba Mngqithi’s side can draw invaluable inspiration from how Pitso Mosimane’s legendary 2016 squad navigated their way to football immortality.
The Miracle Start: A Second Chance from Above
The story of Sundowns’ first continental title didn’t open with an imposing statement; it began with a stroke of administrative luck. Masandawana were actually eliminated in the final qualifying round by Congolese outfit AS Vita Club.
However, prior to the group stage, AS Vita were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. Handed an unexpected lifeline, Sundowns re-entered the competition as outsiders and turned a second chance into a masterclass of destiny.
The First-Leg Masterclass in Pretoria
The foundation of the 2016 triumph was laid on 15 October 2016 at a rocking Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium. Facing Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek SC, Sundowns blew the visitors away with an overwhelming display of attacking transition and defensive discipline.
- The Scorers: Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman hit the back of the net, alongside an own goal forced by a dangerous Percy Tau cross, sealing a commanding 3-0 victory.
- The Spine: Denis Onyango was an impenetrable wall in goal, while captain Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda completely strangled the midfield.
- The “CBD” Magic: The frontline trio of Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly, and Leonardo Castro played with a devastating telepathic chemistry that left the Egyptian giants chasing shadows.
Braving the Cauldron of Alexandria
Taking a 3-0 lead to Egypt for the second leg on 23 October 2016 meant surviving a psychological warfare zone. Inside a deafening, hostile Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Zamalek threw everything at the Brazilians.
Stanley Ohawuchi managed to pull a goal back for the hosts in the second half, winning the night 1-0 for Zamalek. But the Sundowns defensive line held firm under an absolute aerial bombardment. Standing tall, Masandawana closed out a 3-1 aggregate victory to claim the crown.
Reflecting on that chaotic, beautiful journey, star forward Khama Billiat perfectly captured the sentiment:
“It was an amazing journey of ups and downs. Now we are the champions of Africa.”
2016 vs 2026: Finishing the Job
While the 2016 squad carried a comfortable three-goal cushion to North Africa, the current generation holds a narrower 1-0 lead over AS FAR.
The strategy, however, remains identical. If the current crop of stars—led by the experience of Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Themba Zwane—can mirror the tactical discipline, grit, and defensive structure shown in Alexandria a decade ago, the second star will finally arrive in Chloorkop.
