Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2016 CAF Champions League winners, faced Saint-Eloi Lupopo in a crucial Matchday 5 Group C game, aiming to draw level with group leaders Al Hilal.

Coach Miguel Cardoso fielded an experienced starting lineup following their midweek 2-1 win over Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup.

Sundowns’ group stage campaign had been competitive.

They began with a 3-1 win over Lupopo in November 2025, followed by a 0-0 draw with MC Alger, a 2-2 draw against Al-Hilal Omdurman on January 23, and a narrow 2-1 loss to the same team a week later, increasing the pressure for a positive result in this match.

Sundowns’ starting eleven included Williams, Mudau, Ndamane, Kekana, Modiba, Adams, Mokoena, Santos, Morena, Sales, and Shalulile, with Onyango, Reisinho, Allende, Leon, Rayners, Matthews, Lunga, Zwane, and Johannes on the bench. Lupopo’s lineup featured Kabamba, Mpeko, Douhadji, Nekadio, Kimputu, Mendy, Mika, Mabou, Mbele, Lihozasia, and Tukumbange.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Lupopo took the lead in the 19th minute through Henoc Molia Lihozasia.

Sundowns dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create clear chances. In the second half, Jayden Adams scored in the 55th minute to level the score.

Despite controlling the game after the equalizer, Sundowns could not find a winner, as Lupopo’s organized defense held firm.

The draw leaves Sundowns third in Group C with six points, Lupopo fourth with five, Al-Hilal on top with eight, and MC Alger second with seven.

The group remains wide open ahead of the final round of matches.