CAF Champions League: Group C wide open after Sundowns and Lupopo draw

All four teams in Group C remain in contention to qualify for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and hosts FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo played to a 1-1 draw in Lubumbashi, DR Congo. Jayden Adams’ second half header helped the group favorites recover from a poor start but they now must win their final group stage match next weekend.

🎞️ Match Highlights:
A 1-1 draw between FC Saint Eloi Lupopo & Mamelodi Sundowns in Matchday 5. 🔥#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/qBkkVeKE4B

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) February 8, 2026

The hosts, inspired by an energetic crowd at the Stade TP Mazembe, came out with urgency and wrestled control of the match. After sustained pressure in the opening fifteen minutes, the opening goal arrived in the 19th minute.

A sliding challenge from a Sundowns player in the midfield inadvertently turned into a perfect pass to find the run of Jean Tukumbane. With goalkeeper Ronwen Williams coming out to close down the angle, Tukumbane crossed low to the far post where Enoch Molia arrived to apply the finishing touch and send the supporters into a state of delirium.

The visitors attempted to keep the match from getting out of hand by controlling possession, which kept the deficit at one goal but failed to trouble the home side’s defense.

However, the second half saw a reversal of the trend with an inspired performance from Bafana ba Style. Before ten minutes had elapsed, the match was level when Aubrey Modiba’s corner kick found Adams at the far post. The midfielder placed his powerful header perfectly into the top corner to beat the goalkeeper and a defender on the goal line.

The pressure continued from the visitors but without a goal for a result that sets up a thrilling final matchday in Group C. One point behind second place MC Alger, Sundowns now must win their final match at home against the Algerian giants led by former manager Rulani Mokwena.

Lupopo are the least likely team to advance to the quarterfinals but a victory will guarantee qualification. Two points behind MC Alger, they must overcome group leaders Al Hilal Omdurman in Rwanda next weekend.

CAF Champions League: Group C Table