South African clubs rode an emotional rollercoaster in CAF competition this weekend, delivering everything from champagne football to gut-punch endings. Mamelodi Sundowns put down a serious continental marker, Kaizer Chiefs were floored by a heartbreaking late blow, and Stellenbosch FC kept their fairy tale run alive with a stoppage-time winner that sent fans into wild celebrations.
For local football lovers, it was the kind of Sunday night drama that felt made for social media timelines.
Sundowns Start Their Champions League Campaign In Style
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Mamelodi Sundowns opened their CAF Champions League group stage with the kind of statement victory that reminds Africa why they are always in the conversation for the title.
At Loftus, Nuno Santos produced a brilliant brace while Marcelo Allende added his name to the scoresheet as the Brazilians cruised to a 3-1 win over Saint-Eloi Lupopo.
The match had barely settled when Miguel Reisinho whipped in a perfect cross that Santos tucked away to spark early celebrations. Tashreeq Matthews came close twice, including a thunderous header against the bar, but a lapse in concentration allowed Lupopo to level before halftime.
If there were any nerves, Sundowns hid them well. Allende finished a flowing passing move to restore the lead, and Santos later sealed his brace with a towering header that sent Loftus into full voice.
The Congolese outfit, known for their physical edge especially after their fiery tie with Orlando Pirates, tried to unsettle Sundowns with tough tackles, but the home side remained composed and in control. On social media, fans hailed the calm maturity of Rulani Mokwena’s squad, calling the win a reminder of who runs African football.
Kaizer Chiefs Left Heartbroken After Late Collapse
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While Sundowns celebrated, Kaizer Chiefs were left stunned in Egypt after conceding a late winner in a 2-1 loss to Al Masry in their CAF Confederation Cup opener.
Already stripped of key forwards Glody Lilepo, Khanyisa Mayo and Wandile Duba through injury, Chiefs arrived in Suez with a reshuffled side and a heavy reliance on youngsters.
Despite this, Amakhosi started brightly. Mduduzi Shabalala and Etiosa Ighodaro combined well in the final third, showing confidence in front of a loud Egyptian crowd. But as has often been the case this season, the promising build-up lacked a clinical final touch.
Brandon Petersen kept Chiefs alive with several sharp saves, but his evening soured when he conceded a penalty that Bonheur Mugisha converted for Al Masry.
Chiefs hit back almost immediately. Substitute Mfundo Vilakazi made an instant impact, setting up Dillon Solomons for a well-taken equaliser that sparked hope.
But football can be cruel. With just minutes left, a defensive miscue allowed Mohamed Hashem to snatch a late winner, breaking Amakhosi hearts across South Africa. Fans online expressed frustration at the team’s inconsistency, with many praising the effort but lamenting the lack of composure in key moments.
Stellenbosch Snatch A Last-Gasp Winner In Polokwane
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If Chiefs’ ending was painful, Stellenbosch FC delivered the perfect antidote for Western Cape supporters.
Playing their CAF Confederation Cup group match in Polokwane because no Western Cape venue met CAF requirements, Stellies battled through a cagey 90 minutes before substitute Ashley Cupido scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win over AS Otoho D’Oyo.
The first half offered few chances, though the visitors almost stunned the crowd with a free kick that rattled the crossbar. Steve Barker’s men eventually found rhythm after a triple substitution, with Cupido, Thato Khiba and Sanele Barns injecting the spark the match desperately needed.
Cupido first threatened with a header before popping up late to turn the stadium electric. The goal, celebrated wildly both in the stands and online, pushed Stellenbosch to second in Group C behind CR Belouizdad.
For a club making its continental debut, Stellies continue to punch above their weight, showing the same fearless identity that has made them one of the PSL’s most exciting teams.
A Weekend Of Highs, Lows And Big Questions
From Sundowns’ confident march to Chiefs’ late heartbreak and Stellies’ unforgettable ending, South African teams reminded supporters why CAF competitions are both thrilling and unforgiving.
Sundowns now look like early Champions League favourites. Chiefs must regroup quickly before pressure mounts. Stellenbosch continue to write a fresh South African football story that feels impossible not to root for.
If this weekend was a preview of the CAF season ahead, fans can expect drama, heartbreak and pure joy in equal measure.
Read More: CAF Wrap: Sundowns secure home win, Chiefs lose to Al masry on Soccermag
Read More: CAF Champions League wrap & betting lessons on Africapicks
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Source: SABC Sport
