Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off the Miguel Cardoso era with a successful start, claiming their first victory of the CAF Champions League group stage by defeating Raja Casablanca 1-0 on December 15, 2024, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria.
The match against the Moroccan side proved to be pivotal for Sundowns, who had previously drawn their first two group matches under former coach Manqoba Mngqithi. With Cardoso now at the helm, the team found their rhythm with Iqraam Rayners scoring the decisive goal just after the hour mark.
Rayners' 65th-minute goal was the result of sustained pressure from the Sundowns, finally breaking down a resilient Raja defense, which had struggled to contain the South African side throughout the match. The victory earned Sundowns three much-needed points and places them firmly on track to challenge for the group leadership.
"A massive thank you to the amazing support from our supporters!" said Mamelodi Sundowns FC via their official Twitter account, as they celebrated their victory. The team had been under pressure after two draws against Maniema Union and FAR Rabat, making this win all the more significant.
Cardoso, who joined Sundowns after coaching at Esperance, expressed optimism following the match. His tactical adjustments during the game showcased his strategic insight, which was evident as players executed the game plan effectively. "Rayners delivers the winner, it's incredible to start on this positive note," he remarked during the post-match interview.
The win is especially important considering the brutal competitiveness of Group B. Raja Casablanca, having occupied the bottom of the standings, will now need to regroup quickly if they are to regain their footing. This match was the first-ever clash between the two teams, adding to the intrigue of their face-off.
On another note, Stellenbosch FC, another South African club competing simultaneously, also registered their first win of the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup with a late goal from Devon Titus, defeating Desportivo Lunda-Sul 1-0.
With the weekend's events stirring excitement among fans, Sundowns' performance raises the stakes for upcoming matches, propelling the team to build momentum as they strive for another CAF Champions League title, which they lifted last during the 2020 campaign. The final home game of the year for Sundowns has been marked with hope, determination, and the unwavering support of their fans, who filled Loftus Versfeld to witness this historic match.
Now sitting second in their group, Sundowns will look ahead as they prepare for their next game, eager to expand their points tally and solidify their position for advancement.
