Mamelodi Sundowns will not have to wait long for a rematch. The draw in Cairo on 20 October paired the two-time African champions with hosts FC Masar for the opening game of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League on 1 November.
Masar beat Sundowns 1-0 when the sides met at the 2024 edition, CAF recalled in its draw report. This time the Egyptian club will have home support behind them.
A tough group
Group A also includes Morocco’s FUS Rabat, who came through the North African UNAF qualifiers, and Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles, Central Africa’s representatives. Only the top two go through to the semi-finals on 11 November. The final is on 15 November.
Sundowns qualified as champions of the COSAFA zone and went into the draw as one of the top seeds, alongside Mali’s USFAS Bamako. CAF said seeding was based on results over the previous three editions.
On the other side of the draw, defending champions AS FAR of Morocco face Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies, USFAS Bamako and a still-to-be-confirmed qualifier from WAFU Zone B.
For Sundowns, the message is simple: start well against Masar, and the path to a third continental title opens up.
Related reporting: Egypt to host the Women’s Champions League again, with a new trophy on the line.
