CAF CL Matchday 4: All Eyes on Sundowns and Two South African Coaches in Action

The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League returns this weekend with Matchday 4 of the group stage, and from a South African perspective, it promises to be a significant round.

Not only are Mamelodi Sundowns involved in a top‑of‑the‑table clash, but two South African‑born coaches, Rulani Mokwena and Steve Barker, will also be on the touchline for their respective clubs.

The tournament has reached its halfway point, with teams across the continent now entering a decisive phase. The frontrunners are aiming to consolidate their positions, while those further down the standings fight to keep their quarter-final dreams alive.

Group C: Sundowns Face Al Hilal in Crucial Clash

The main headline for South African fans comes on Friday, 30 January, when Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Sudan to take on Al Hilal.

Both sides are level on points and separated only by goal difference, with Sundowns currently leading the group. A victory in Omdurman would put Rulani Mokwena’s former team in a commanding position to qualify.

Rulani Mokwena Facing Orlando Pirates slayers Lupopo

On Sunday, attention shifts to Algeria where South African coach Rulani Mokwena leads MC Alger against St Éloi Lupopo of DR Congo.

This fixture has extra needle for South African audiences:
Lupopo are the same club that eliminated Orlando Pirates from the Champions League, making the clash a compelling subplot for local fans and a chance for Mokwena to make a statement.

A positive result for MC Alger could tighten Group C significantly, depending on Sundowns’ result the night before.

Group A: Champions Pyramids FC Host RS Berkane

Group A’s standout fixture takes place on Sunday, 1 February, with defending champions Pyramids FC facing Morocco’s RS Berkane. Both clubs sit on seven points, separated only by goal difference.

Elsewhere, Rivers United take on Power Dynamos in Nigeria.

Group B: Young Africans vs Al Ahly Headlines Saturday

In Group B, Tanzania’s Young Africans host record champions Al Ahly on Saturday.

Al Ahly will look to move closer to qualification, while Young Africans aim to tighten the group race. Later, AS FAR Rabat meet JS Kabylie.

Group D: Steve Barker Leads Simba Into Key Showdown

Group D kicks off on Saturday when Petro Atlético face Stade Malien.

But the match that will catch South African interest comes on Sunday, when Simba SC, coached by South African tactician Steve Barker, host Espérance de Tunis.

Barker has made an immediate impact since taking charge of Simba, and this fixture could shape his side’s chances of progressing from the group. A win would place Simba firmly back in the qualification conversation.

Where to Watch in South Africa

All CAF Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures will be available to South African viewers on SuperSport and SABC Sport. SuperSport will broadcast matches live across its Premier League, Football and Variety channels, with streaming available on DStv Stream.

 Selected games will also air on SABC Sport, either on the DTT channel, SABC 1 or SABC 3, with live online viewing accessible via SABC+. Viewers are advised to check updated schedules on both platforms for specific match listings.

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Matchday 4 Fixtures

(All times GMT)

Group A — Sunday, 1 February

16:00 — Pyramids FC (EGY) vs RS Berkane (MAR)

16:00 — Rivers United (NGA) vs Power Dynamos (ZAM)

Group B — Saturday, 31 January

13:00 — Young Africans SC (TAN) vs Al Ahly SC (EGY)

19:00 — AS FAR Rabat (MAR) vs JS Kabylie (ALG)

Group C

Friday, 30 January

19:00 — Al Hilal (SUD) vs Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)

Sunday, 1 February