Mamelodi Sundowns will be keen to claim a commanding win in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match when they host Stade Malien at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
.gif)
Kick-off is at 8pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Masandawana come into the tie in strong domestic form, having secured a 2-0 away victory over Orbit College FC on Tuesday as the Betway Premiership champions extended their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions, which includes four successive wins.
Sundowns have proven continental experience and a high-calibre squad, which should provide a clear advantage over Stade Malien, with the South African giants having booked their place in the Champions League knockout phase after finishing second in Group C.
A first-time clash: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Stade Malien. Who gets the edge? 👀#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/MJNMHNQCSP
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) March 10, 2026
Stade Malien, meanwhile, have been struggling lately as they suffered a heavy 4-0 league defeat to Binga in the Malian Premier Division on March 4, which extended their winless run to three matches, including back-to-back losses.
However, the Malian giants have shown resilience in this season's Champions League as they surprisingly finished at the top of Group D ahead of Tunisian heavyweights Esperance Sportive de Tunis and they are now hoping to upset Sundowns.
TEAM NEWS
Sundowns have received a major boost with Zuko Mdunyelwa, Bathusi Aubaas, Keanu Cupido and Thapelo Morena all returning from injury, though Mothobi Mvala remains sidelined with a long-term issue.
Stade Malien, on the other hand, are yet to report injuries in their camp and they are expected to deploy their full-strength, fearless line-up focused on counter-threats from players like Taddeus Nkeng and Mamadou Traore.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso
“We are going to play a team that’s very competitive. In away matches, they can be very narrow in defence, keeping stability in their defensive line," Cardoso said.
“For a team like us that scores goals, it’s important to keep clean sheets because they guarantee points. But we must not focus only on that – we must ensure that when we attack, we remain balanced.”
Stade Malien head coach Mauril Njoyo
"I tell myself we are a team that knows how to play against playable teams. That's why I have no fear. I have no anxiety when it comes to qualifying for the semifinals," Njoyo said.
"I admit that if I still need to say it, we are not afraid of anyone. I think this team [Sundowns] should be afraid of us because we play freely. We have no complexes, we play freely. They are afraid of losing. We are not afraid of anything and we will play our football as we have always done."
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first-ever meeting between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien.