With the curtain coming down on the CAF Champions League group stages this weekend, Mamelodi Sundowns and MC Alger have no choice but to etch their names in the winning column with the hope of qualifying for the next phase of the showpiece as they prepare to do battle at Loftus Versfeld in Group C on Saturday afternoon.
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Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
As it stands, Sundowns are third in Group C on six points after collecting a frustrating three draws, one loss and the single victory in their first five matches. The Brazilians could only manage a 1-1 draw with Saint-Eloi Lupopo in their most recent CAF Champions League assignment in a game that took place at Stade TP Mazembe last Sunday.
MC Alger on the other hand, are in second with seven points, after jotting down two wins, two losses and one stalemate so far. Under the tutelage of former Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena, the Algerian side were boosted by a much needed 2-1 win over Group C leaders Al-Hilal last time out.
The two sides met during matchday two in Group C and shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw at Ali La Pointe Stadium on 28 November, 2025.
As one of the most keenly anticipated fixtures in the CAF Champions League this weekend, a loss for either side will mean elimination from the tournament irrespective of the result between Al-Hilal and Lupopo in the corresponding fixture.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking of the must-win encounter, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso believes that his side are ready for a ‘difficult’ task on home soil this weekend.
"We have a match to play that we will always have to play to win because we don't play to draw. Who plays to draw usually loses or finds himself in a situation where he can lose," Cardoso said.
"We already played against MC Alger and obviously, that will be a difficult match, but difficult tasks are for strong people," he said.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mamelodi Sundowns: Ronwen Williams - Known to be a big-game player for both club and country, Downs will look to bank on Williams’ leadership once more. While the Tshwane side boasts an abundance of attacking talent, Williams will be at the forefront of ensuring MC Alger stay at an arms-length from the goal line.
MC Alger: Zinedine Ferhat – After getting his name on the scoresheet against Al-Hilal, in what was essentially a pressure cooker tie, Ferhat will once again hope to be a clutch player for his side against Sundowns on Saturday. With Alger in need of goals, Ferhat’s movement will be of high importance, especially with the Brazilians showcasing their defensive frailties in the last couple of matches.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 1
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 0
MC Alger wins: 0
Draws: 1