Mamelodi Sundowns Claim Second CAF Champions League Title, 10 Years After 2016 Triumph
Mamelodi Sundowns secured their second CAF Champions League title on May 18, 2024, defeating Algeria’s USM Alger 1-0 in the second leg of the final to claim the trophy 2-2 on aggregate, according to Goal.com. The victory marks the South African club’s first championship since their 2016 triumph, reestablishing them as a dominant force in African football.
How Did Mamelodi Sundowns Win the 2024 CAF Champions League?
The final was played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Sundowns took a 1-0 lead in the second leg through a 54th-minute goal by Hlompho Kekana, who converted a penalty after a handball by USM Alger defender Youcef Atal. The first leg ended 1-1, with Sundowns’ Tashreeq Crawford scoring the opener and USM Alger’s Yacine Brahimi equalizing. The result confirmed Sundowns’ third CAF Champions League title, following wins in 2016 and 2021, per CAF’s official website.
Why Is This Win Significant for Mamelodi Sundowns?
The 2024 victory ended a decade-long wait for a continental title, solidifying Sundowns’ status as one of Africa’s premier clubs. The team’s 2016 win, also against USM Alger, was their first CAF Champions League trophy, according to ESPN. This latest achievement highlights the club’s consistency under coach Masilingi Mokoena, who led them to their 2021 title as well. Analysts note that the win underscores South Africa’s growing influence in African football, with Sundowns now having more CAF Champions League titles than any other club from the country.
What’s Next for Mamelodi Sundowns After the Win?
Sundowns will represent Africa in the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for February 2025 in Morocco. The club has also expressed ambitions to compete in the lucrative Saudi Pro League, with chairman Patrice Motsepe stating in a press conference that “Sundowns aim to be a global brand,” as reported by Sky Sports. Meanwhile, USM Alger will face Wydad Casablanca in the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup final, according to CAF’s official fixtures.
How Does This Compare to Their 2016 Victory?
The 2016 final also saw Sundowns defeat USM Alger, but the margin was narrower—1-0 in the second leg after a 1-1 draw. The 2024 win came amid stronger competition, with teams like Al Ahly (Egypt) and TP Mazembe (DR Congo) also vying for the title. Sundowns’ 2024 campaign included a historic 5-1 victory over Al Ahly in the quarterfinals, a result that earned praise from CAF’s technical director, according to BBC Sport.
What’s the Broader Impact of This Win?
The victory has sparked celebrations across South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa praising the team for “bringing pride to the nation,” as quoted in local media. It also raises questions about the future of African football governance, with calls for increased investment in clubs to sustain success. Analysts like Naledi Chuma of the South African Football Association argue that “Sundowns’ achievement proves that African clubs can compete at the highest level when given the right support,” according to SABC News.