GAME DAY | Mamelodi Sundowns target CAF semi-finals after Al Ahly and Pyramids exit

With the shock exits of heavyweights Pyramids and Al Ahly from the CAF Champions League, there will be a spring in the step of Mamelodi Sundowns when they enter Bamako's Stade du 26 Mars for Sunday's clash against Stade Malien (kick-off 6pm).

The defending champions, Pyramids, lost 2-1 (and 3-2 on aggregate) at home to FAR Rabat of Morocco. Later, the other Egyptian challengers, record 12-time champions Al Ahly, were also eliminated after a 3-2 defeat at home to Esperance of Tunisia, the latter advancing 4-2 to the semi-finals.

Having secured an emphatic 3-0 victory in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld last week, Sundowns are in a commanding position. The team showcased their dominance with goals from Khuliso Mudau, Brayan León, and Iqraam Rayners, leaving the Malian outfit in dire straits.

For Stade Malien to turn the tide, they would need to engineer an improbable four-goal swing without Sundowns finding the net — a feat that seems daunting, given the South African side's recent form.

However, in the world of football, no result is ever guaranteed. Stade Malien have promised a spirited comeback on their home turf, with the expectation that their passionate supporters will rally behind them. The atmosphere in Bamako is expected to be electric, and the home side will be looking to exploit any complacency from Sundowns, who will need to remain resolute and focused to secure their passage to the semi-finals.

For Sundowns, the mission is clear: complete the task they began so adeptly last week and secure their place in the next round. Coach Miguel Cardoso will be keen to emphasise discipline and tactical awareness as the squad aims to capitalise on their strong position and thwart any Malian hopes of a miraculous turnaround.