Mamelodi Sundowns are walking into a match that feels like a football family reunion with emotional baggage. On Friday night, the Tshwane giants face a familiar face in the opposite dugout: Rhulani Mokwena, the man who once shaped Masandawana’s modern identity and now leads an MC Alger side enjoying life at the top of Algeria’s Ligue 1.
But nothing about this clash is warm or nostalgic. Both clubs are desperate for points after stumbling in their Champions League openers, and neither is keen to become a headline for the wrong reasons.
Sundowns’ Style Returning, But Pressure Mounting
Sundowns looked more like themselves during their 3–1 victory over Saint Éloi Lupopo earlier this month, giving fans rare glimpses of the fluid, possession-heavy football they expect. But one match does not erase the reality that this season has been unusually bumpy.
They may top the Betway Premiership, but Orlando Pirates are lurking with matches in hand. Add an MTN8 semi-final heartbreak and a shock Carling Knockout exit, and you get a team that knows Champions League success is non-negotiable.
The memory of last season’s continental disappointment still lingers. That two-legged final defeat to Pyramids remains a sore point for supporters who now see Africa’s premier club trophy as a necessity rather than a bonus.
All Eyes On The Mokwena–Cardoso Chapter
If there is a subplot that football fans cannot stop talking about, it is the tactical tension between Mokwena and his successor Miguel Cardoso.
Mokwena helped Sundowns lift their historic 2016 Champions League crown during his days alongside Pitso Mosimane. But as head coach, continental glory eluded him despite deep runs into the knockout rounds.
Cardoso, meanwhile, arrived last season to steady the ship after Manqoba Mngqithi’s dismissal. His Club World Cup showing bought him goodwill, but Sundowns’ demanding fan base expects trophies, not patience.
With Mokwena thriving in Algeria and Cardoso still trying to convince the Masandawana faithful, Friday’s match feels like a referendum on both coaches’ trajectories.
New Faces, Departures And A Team Still Finding Its Voice
Sundowns spent much of the off-season dealing with unprecedented interest in their players. Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s dramatic exit dominated headlines and unsettled the dressing room.
But Nuno Santos has stepped into the spotlight with confidence. His electric display against Lupopo reminded supporters that stars leave but Sundowns always find new ones.
With Themba Zwane still cautious after injury and Peter Shalulile expected to miss out, the responsibility falls heavily on Iqraam Rayners. The striker, now past recent health concerns, is set to lead the line.
MC Alger’s Form Makes Them A Dangerous Host
The Algerian giants have been ruthless in their domestic league, conceding just three goals in eight matches and dropping points only once. Their Champions League opening loss to Al Hilal stung, but also sharpened their urgency.
With home support behind them at the noisy Ali La Pointe Stadium, they will not make life easy for the visitors.
Match Details
Date: Friday, 28 November
Kick Off: 21:00 CAT
Venue: Ali La Pointe Stadium, Douéra, Algeria
Broadcast: SuperSport channel 209, SABC 3
Team News
Mamelodi Sundowns
Likely Missing: Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane
Expected To Start:
Ronwen Williams; Aubrey Modiba, Keanu Cupido, Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau; Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena; Tashreeq Matthews, Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho; Iqraam Rayners.
MC Alger
Expected XI:
Alexis Guendouz; Aymane Bouguerra, Ayoub Abdellaoui, Ayoub Ghezala, Mohamed Réda Halaïmia; Kipré Zunon, Larbi Tabti, Oussama Benhaoua; Zinedine Ferhat, Soufiane Bayazid, Zakaria Naidji.
A Clash in North Africa to Look Forward Too
This match is more than just a group-stage fixture. It holds history, emotion and pressure for both teams. Sundowns need consistency. MC Alger need redemption. Mokwena seeks validation. Cardoso seeks trust.
Africa’s biggest club competition has delivered fireworks before, but Friday in Douéra feels like it might be something special.
Source: ESPN Africa
Featured Image Source: Masandawana on X
Read more: CAF Champions League – MC Alger clash offers big value on Sundowns
