Going by how they have performed on the domestic front, there were fears Masandawana could struggle. However, the Tshwane giants were in a class of their own, as they registered a huge first-leg win.
Mokwena's side were unable to secure a victory in the first-leg encounter. The results mean there is everything to fight for in the second-leg showdown set for October 26, as both sides hope to reach the next stage.
The Brazilians kicked off their CAF Champions League journey with a trip to M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on Sunday, 19 October, for the second preliminary round of the continental showpiece. Ranked among Africa’s elite, the South African side received a first-round bye; a nod to last season’s run to the final, where they ultimately fell short against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.
GOAL gives you the details to follow Madandawana's first match in the CAF Champions League this season. They face their Nigerian hosts at MKO Abiola International Stadium on Sunday as they begin the quest to atone for last season's heartbreaking near-miss in the Champions League when they reached the final but lost to Egyptian moneybags Pyramids FC.
Masandawana will be seeking redemption following their elimination from the domestic competition, the Carling Knockout Cup. After falling at the ultimate stage last season to Pyramids FC, Downs hope to win their second continental star this time around.
The Brazilians are in West Africa as they begin their bid to win the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2016. They have experienced near-misses in recent seasons, including being losing finalists last season. Their coach now opens up on his side's readiness for harsh weather in Abeokuta.
The Premier Soccer League will be well represented this weekend across the two CAF inter-club competitions in Africa. The four teams are hoping to get a positive result in the first leg of the annual tournaments. An aggregate win for Mzansi representatives will see the trio get into the group stage and reap big financial rewards.
The two Masandawana stars were not involved in the later stages of the qualifiers as South Africa withstood pressure to qualify for the global showpiece. To be part of the World Cup-going squad, the duo has been told what to do.
Stat nerds assemble! GOAL digs deep into the matrix to find which teams are leading the way in the key underlying metrics that show whether your team is just getting lucky (or unlucky) in their league campaign.
The retired winger's remarks follow last month’s candid take from Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye, who openly admitted that Saleng hadn’t yet made the impact he’d hoped for at the club. Makhoye’s honesty sparked debate, with many questioning whether the player’s potential was being fully unlocked.
The matter involving the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder threatened to block South Africa from qualifying for the global football competition. That left the player himself, SAFA and the team manager under sharp criticism for the way they handled the issue which almost put to waste the work done by Hugo Broos' side.
What better way to prepare for the return of domestic league action than four minutes of the best goals scored in the 2025-26 season? Every one of these are Goal of the Season contenders and are a reminder that when the PSL's finest catch a glimpse of the net, they are going to find it with the ball.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has been trending for the last six or so months after being fielded against Lesotho despite being suspended. It almost cost the national team a ticket to compete with the best in the world, but the players fought to ensure it wasn't the case as South Africa eventually topped Group C to get an automatic slot.
Bafana Bafana concluded a successful international break with qualification for the 2026 World Cup. GOAL now turns its attention to the PSL clubs and South African stars taking centre stage in the CAF inter-club competitions this weekend, with an array of challenges awaiting across the continent.
The Bafana Bafana star left Amakhosi for their PSL rivals, and now the move has been described as a mistake on the part of the Glamour Boys. After just one season with his current club, he is tipped to be the next top defender for the national team.
South Africa will be part of the global competition once again for the first time since 2010, when they hosted it. However, this achievement came against some odds, as Mzansi were faced with what appeared like an insurmountable challenge, which, in the end, they overcame.
The Mswenko Boys are among the new teams that were promoted to the ongoing 2025/26 South African top-flight football after a successful stint in the lower tier. They have been bringing in players they feel will bring much-needed experience in their bid to sustain their position in the top league beyond this season.
The new signing has been tipped to shine even more when he fully settles at the Chloorkop-based heavyweights. However, the midfielder's good start with his new club comes at a time when Masandawana are shaky and have just been eliminated from another competition.
As Bafana prepare to take on Rwanda's Amavubi, a new player has been called up by Hugo Broos. This is a crucial game for Mzansi, but they will face their rivals without key stars, and this complicates their situation even more.
The Super Eagles are in a tight spot in their quest to play in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. However, their win over the Cheetahs on Tuesday might be what Mzansi need to get their ticket; but of course, they need victory against the Eastern African nation in another Group C fixture scheduled for the same day.
Amakhosi's bid to defend their title received another setback after they dropped points as their rivals, including Bucs, keep winning. Masandawana, on the other hand, were impressive as they outsmarted Usuthu to go just behind the Sea Robbers.
The Sea Robbers' winning run was facing a real threat, but a late goal ensured they kept it and collected three more points as the season picks up speed. The victory saw them widen the gap with second-placed Richards Bay.
The Tshwane giants are far from what they have been associated with before: a lethal force that dismantled opponents with ease. Their dream of winning more titles this season was dealt a huge blow after elimination from the Carling Knockout Cup and MTN8.
After being frustrated by the Warriors, Bafana's hopes now largely depend on the results from Nigeria and Benin. The Super Eagles will host their West African counterparts in a match that carries a lot of stakes in determining the winner of the group.
The experienced goalkeeper has joined a growing list of players from Masandawana who have found homes at the lower league club. His place in the squad that will head to the AFCON finals is now doubtful, given that he is also injured.
The former defender has compared the PSL's Big Three and said the Glamour Boys have some ground to cover in order to be at the same level with the other two. Amakhosi and Bucs started the season on different trajectories, but the fortunes have flipped as the former struggle and the latter are enjoying a positive run.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
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