Sundowns Face High-Stakes Clash With Lupopo In CAF Champions League

The CAF Champions League group stage is reaching fever pitch, and this weekend’s clash between Saint-Éloi Lupopo and Mamelodi Sundowns has all the ingredients for a classic. With only two games left in Group C, every point is precious, and the stakes could hardly be higher as the South African giants travel to Lubumbashi for a penultimate showdown at Stade TP Mazembe on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Kickoff is set for 15:00 CAT, and fans can catch the action live on SuperSport’s DSTV channel 205.

Group C has proven to be a real battleground this season. Al Hilal Omdurman currently sits atop the table with 8 points from four matches, courtesy of two wins and two draws. Sundowns, after a mixed run, are second with 5 points, while both Lupopo and MC Alger are hot on their heels with 4 points apiece. The top two finishers will move on to the quarter-finals, and with the margins this tight, Sunday’s result could make or break the campaigns of both Lupopo and Sundowns.

The context is especially tense for Sundowns, who are eager to bounce back from a disappointing double-header against Al Hilal. The Sudanese outfit managed a 2-2 draw in Pretoria despite going down to 10 men, then edged Sundowns 2-1 in the return fixture in Kigali. That setback left the South Africans three points adrift in the group and, as coach Miguel Cardoso knows, has piled on the pressure ahead of their final group clash against MC Alger in Pretoria. "We need to take the pressure off ourselves before that home fixture. A win in Lubumbashi would give us the breathing space and confidence we need," Cardoso told SuperSport.

But victory in Lubumbashi is no given. Lupopo’s home ground, Stade TP Mazembe, is a fortress, and their recent record there is impressive. Just ask Orlando Pirates—the Betway Premiership leaders were dumped out of this year’s Champions League by Lupopo in the second preliminary round after losing 3-0 in Lubumbashi and then succumbing on penalties despite a 3-0 win at home. Lupopo’s ability to grind out results, especially in front of their passionate supporters, makes them a dangerous proposition for any visiting side.

Recent form suggests both teams are capable but inconsistent. Lupopo notched up wins over Tangayika (1-0), Sanga Balende (4-0), and Saint-Luc (4-0) in January, and edged MC Alger 1-0 at home. However, they stumbled with a 2-0 loss away to MC Alger at the start of February. Sundowns, meanwhile, picked up a 2-0 win over Lupopo at home on January 19, drew 2-2 with Al Hilal, beat Sekhukhune United 2-0, but then lost the return fixture to Al Hilal 2-1 before scraping past Gomora United 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup last week. That cup win did little to inspire confidence, with many fans and pundits noting the team’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

On the personnel front, Sundowns will be sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who’s been sidelined with a groin issue. Cardoso, though, has played down fears of a long-term absence, saying, "It’s not a long-term injury. We’re hopeful he’ll be available for the weekend." Bathusi Aubaas returned to the starting lineup against Gomora United after a spell on the sidelines, and his experience could be vital in midfield. Themba Zwane, the club captain, made his comeback in the Nedbank Cup but is not expected to start a match of this magnitude just yet.

Up front, all eyes will be on Peter Shalulile. The Namibian striker was handed a rare start against Gomora and repaid the faith with a goal, boosting his chances of featuring prominently in Lubumbashi. Cardoso has also leaned on the likes of Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Nuno Santos, and Miguel Reisinho in recent outings. Sales has been in sparkling form, notching up goals and assists at a steady clip, while Santos has hit the ground running since his arrival, providing the creative spark Sundowns need to unlock tight defenses. Matthews and Reisinho are also expected to play key roles, with their energy and technical ability crucial in what’s likely to be a cagey affair.

Lupopo, for their part, are expected to stick with a compact, disciplined approach. Their probable lineup features Joseph Douhadji at left back, Mokonzi Katumbwe and Junior Marc Mendy in central defense, and Diumerci Mukoko Amale at right back. The midfield trio of Tenda Mutuila, Dramane Kambou, and Miché Mika will look to control the tempo, while Henoc Molia, Wanet Kashala, and John Mpweto provide the attacking threat. Set-pieces and counter-attacks are Lupopo’s main weapons, and they’ll be hoping to catch Sundowns napping at the back.

The history books offer little comfort for the hosts, though. Sundowns have generally had the upper hand in this fixture, including a 3-1 win in the earlier group meeting this season. Still, with Group C so delicately poised, the pressure is on both teams to deliver. Sundowns have only failed to make the Champions League knockout rounds once since their famous 2016 triumph, but recent stumbles against top opposition have exposed some vulnerabilities. Lupopo, meanwhile, are desperate to emulate their preliminary round heroics and keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

As for the odds, bookmakers slightly favor the visitors, with Sundowns priced at 9/10 for the win, Lupopo at 29/10, and a draw at 2/1. Pundits are tipping a tight contest, with a 1-0 or 2-1 win for Sundowns seen as the most likely outcome, though a draw would hardly be a shock. Betting tips suggest a double chance on Sundowns, both teams to score, and under 3.5 goals, reflecting the high stakes and nervy group dynamics.

The television schedule for matchday 5 is packed, with Group C’s other key clash—MC Alger versus Al Hilal—taking place on Friday, February 6, at 19:00 local time (broadcast on beIN Connect MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA, and SuperSport Variety 4 HD). That result will set the tone for Sunday’s action, as Sundowns and Lupopo battle for supremacy and a spot in the last eight.

With so much riding on the outcome, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter in Lubumbashi. The atmosphere at Stade TP Mazembe will be electric, and both teams know that victory could be the difference between glory and heartbreak. As the penultimate round of Group C unfolds, the only certainty is that there’s everything to play for—and no room for error.