Friday night in Africa’s elite club competitions delivered everything except goals for Mamelodi Sundowns. The reigning Premier Soccer League champions travelled to Algeria hoping to build on their bright CAF Champions League start. Instead, they walked away with a bruising reminder that travelling north on the continent is never a free ride.
This was not just any away day. It was a reunion filled with tension. Rhulani Mokwena, once the face of the Sundowns project, now stood in the opposite technical area as MC Alger’s new architect. Algerian supporters arrived expecting a statement. South African fans watched from home feeling equal parts nostalgic and anxious. The stakes felt personal.
A Nervy Start In A Stadium That Felt Like A Pressure Cooker
The Stade Ali Ammar Dit Ali La Ponite was alive long before kickoff. MC Alger supporters poured in with drums, flags and the kind of energy that makes the air vibrate. For Sundowns, the noise became a real factor. Their early play looked hesitant and disjointed.
Their best chance of the half came when Marcelo Allende produced a brilliant cross that found Tashreeq Matthews near the penalty spot. Matthews struck it too high and sent a golden opportunity over the bar. It became the miss Sundowns fans debated online for hours after the match.
MC Alger saved their most dangerous moment for just before halftime. Zinedine Ferhat slipped through on goal, facing Ronwen Williams one on one. His finish lacked composure and flew high, much to the despair of the roaring crowd. Both sides wasted the best of their chances and the first half ended without a breakthrough.
A Second Half That Never Sparked
The second period settled into a tense tactical battle. Attacks fizzled out quickly. Both teams tightened up. For long stretches, the match drifted into midfield duels that left supporters frustrated.
MC Alger grew stronger in the final minutes, pushed on by a feverish crowd. In the 87th minute, the home side thought they had finally cracked it as the ball crossed the line. The stadium erupted. Fireworks. Chants. Emotion spilling everywhere.
Then the flag went up for offside. Silence followed. The late drama ended as quickly as it began.
Sundowns Stay Top, But The Group Has Tightened
The draw keeps Sundowns at the top of Group C with four points from two games. They remain level with Sudanese side Al Hilal, ahead only on goal difference. MC Alger and Saint Eloi Lupopo sit on a single point each, leaving the group finely balanced.
And speaking of Al Hilal, their journey remains one of the most remarkable stories in world football.
Across Africa: A Night Of Big Results And Bigger Storylines
Friday’s slate of CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup fixtures produced headline moments across the continent.
Al Ahly Held In Morocco
Egyptian giants Al Ahly were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AS FAR Rabat. Trezeguet equalised after Mouchcine Bouriga stunned them with the opener.
Wydad AC Show Their Experience
Wydad secured another tight win, edging Azam 1-0 thanks to Nordin Amarabat. It was a reminder of why they remain one of Africa’s most seasoned outfits.
Al Masry Win A Thriller
Al Masry made it two wins from two after beating Zesco United 3-2 in Zambia.
USM Alger Stay Perfect
A lone Zakaria Draoui finish gave USM Alger a 1-0 win against Olympique de Safi and kept their record spotless.
The Most Emotional Story: Homeless Al Hilal Fighting For A Future
Sunday’s results reignited the incredible journey of Al Hilal. The Sudanese club has not played a home match since 2023 due to the devastating civil war in their country. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions and made everyday life a struggle.
To stay alive in football terms, Hilal have lived in transit. They played last season in Mauritania as guests.
They are set to join Rwanda’s league next season.To even qualify for the CAF Champions League, they had to win a championship staged in a military-controlled territory back home.
Yet, despite their circumstances, Hilal sit level with Sundowns on four points after earning a 1-1 draw with Saint Eloi Lupopo on Sunday. Their resilience has turned them into the emotional heartbeat of this year’s competition.
Elsewhere In The Champions League
Stade Malien Impress In Bamako
They beat Simba 2-1 thanks to goals from Taddeus Nkeng and Ismaila Simpara. South African midfielder Neo Maema pulled one back for Simba, but it was not enough.
Petro Luanda Still In The Mix
Petro remain joint leaders of Group D with Stade Malien after their own strong start.
What The Result Means For Sundowns
This reunion did not allow Sundowns to dominate or express themselves as they often do. It was a battle, a grind, and at times, a reminder of how hostile CAF away fixtures can be. But the point is valuable. Teams crumble in North Africa. Sundowns did not. They held their shape, absorbed pressure and left Algeria still in control of their group.
The real questions ahead include whether their attack will regain sharpness and whether they can maintain a strong identity as fixtures become tougher.
A Night That Proved Once Again Why CAF Football Is Wildly Unpredictable
From a tense reunion in Algeria to emotional victories and surprising draws across the continent, this round of CAF football offered a perfect snapshot of why African competitions remain some of the most dramatic in world football.
And in the middle of it, Sundowns escaped a hostile North African night with a point that may prove crucial later.
Read more: Chiefs Drama And Stellies Heartbreak: A Wild Weekend For South Africa In The CAF Confederation Cup
Featured Image Source: Soccer Laduma on X
