Mamelodi Sundowns Face Some Tough Games In The CAF Champions League Groups

Apr 26, 2017 - 03:08 pm

By Joe Crann

Mamelodi Sundowns Face Some Tough Games In The CAF Champions League Groups

Mamelodi Sundowns' last continental trophy was the CAF Super Cup...

Downs will be looking to retain the title this year...

But face trips to Saint-George in Ethiopia...

Tunisia's Esperance in Tunis...

And a familiar opponent in AS Vita.

Mamelodi Sundowns have discovered their opponents for the CAF Champions League group stages and the defending champions won't have it easy. Read: Baxter On The Mend After Suspected Bite After being knocked out of both the CCL and CAF Confederation Cup last season, Masandawana were reinstated into the tournament before going on to win it, becoming only the second South African club after Orlando Pirates to do so. Having incredibly stayed in contention for the Absa Premiership title despite their gruelling schedule, the Brazilians also clinched the CAF Super Cup recently and are enjoying an unprecedented spell of success both domestically and on the continent.

Pitso Mosimane's men cut it fine in the final round of qualifying this year as a late Anthony Laffor goal booked their spot in the groups, but having found some form in the league, they will now be looking forward to the African showpiece. This is the first time that CAF have had four groups in this stage of the tournament after a reshuffling of the format, with both SuperSport United and Platinum Stars also reaching the final 16 in the CCC. The full CAF Champions League Draw: Group A:

ESS Hilal Merrikh Ferroviario B

Group B:

Zamalek USM Alger Ahli Tripoli Caps United

Group C:

Mamelodi Sundowns Esperance AS Vita Saint-George

Group D:

Ahly WAC Coton Sport Zanaco

The first round of group games will get underway on the second weekend of May.