CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns equal Al Ahly record

Mamelodi Sundowns have matched Egyptian giants Al Ahly’s record of 11 successive CAF Champions League group stage appearances, underlining their status as one of Africa’s most consistent clubs.

The Brazilians began their latest campaign with a home win over FC St Eloi Lupopo and now head to Algeria for a Group B clash against Mouloudia Alger, as they continue their quest for continental glory.

This achievement is built on remarkable consistency: Sundowns have advanced beyond the group stage in nine of their previous 10 campaigns, though reaching the final has often proved elusive. They’ve managed it only twice — winning the title in 2016 and finishing runners-up last season after losing to Pyramids of Egypt.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis remain the benchmark, each qualifying for a record 23 group stages. TP Mazembe follows with 14, while Sundowns now sit tied in fourth place with Zamalek on 13 overall appearances.

Sundowns’ Champions League Journey – Year by Year:

2000: Their first group campaign started brightly with two wins and a 12-point haul, but a 6-1 defeat to Africa Sports proved costly, ending their hopes and costing coach Clemens Westerhof his job. At the time, only group winners advanced to the final.

2001: With semi-finals introduced, Sundowns scraped through despite failing to score in their first three group games. Two late home wins secured progress, and Bennett Mnguni’s goal against Julius Berger sealed a semi-final spot. They beat Petro Atletico on penalties but lost 4-1 on aggregate to Al Ahly in the final.

2016: A twist of fate saw Sundowns reinstated after AS Vita Club were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player. They topped the group, beat Zesco United in the semis, and claimed a historic triumph over Zamalek in the final.

2017: As defending champions, Sundowns struggled early, losing at home to Espérance and finishing second in the group. Their title defence ended in the quarter-finals on penalties to Wydad Casablanca.

2018: Despite an easy group on paper, Sundowns failed to progress after drawing at home to Horoya on the final matchday.

2018-19: Sundowns stunned Al Ahly with a 5-0 win at home in the quarter-finals, one of South Africa’s greatest football nights, but fell to Wydad in the semis.

2019-20: They finished the group unbeaten with a record 14 points but were stopped by Al Ahly in the quarter-finals.

2020-21: Sundowns qualified early with four straight wins, including a 5-1 away victory in Tanzania, but lost to Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly in the last eight.

2021-22: Set a record with 16 points from 18, beating Al Ahly twice, but were eliminated by Petro Atletico in the quarter-finals.

2022-23: Thrashed Al Ahly 5-2 and finished unbeaten, scoring 14 goals in six games. They reached the semis but were heartbreakingly eliminated by Wydad on away goals.

2023-24: Recovered from a slow start to top their group, beat Young Africans on penalties, but lost both legs of the semi-final to Espérance.

2024-25: Under new coach Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns reached the final after eliminating Esperance and Al Ahly, but lost 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids.