On Monday, former CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns were drawn into Group A of the competition, alongside Pyramids FC of Egypt, TP Mazembe of DRC, and Mauritanian outfit Nouadhibou. The draw comes ahead of Sundowns’ participation in the MTN8 final this weekend.
Sundowns booked their spot in the group stages after beating Tanzanian side Bumamuru FC, and have finished top of the group in the last two editions of the competition. However, the club has been unable to go all the way in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Last season, Sundowns were just 10 minutes away from reaching the final, but an own goal from defender Mothobi Mvala saw them being knocked out of the competition by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. They had finished the group stage campaign without a defeat, winning four and drawing two, including an emphatic 5-2 victory over eventual champions Al Ahly in Tshwane.
There will be a lot of pressure on the side to do well in the group stage campaign and go all the way this time, as they are looking to win a second Champions League title.