Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF CL quarter-final hopes hang in balance after St Eloi Lupopo draw

The result leaves Sundowns third in the group on six points, behind leaders Al Hilal (eight) and MC Alger (seven), while Lupopo remain in contention with five points heading into the final round of fixtures.

Sundowns started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Khulumani Ndamane headed wide from a corner. However, the hosts struck first in the 19th minute when Jean Tukumbane beat the offside trap and squared for Enoch Moila to score from close range.

Despite dominating possession, the South African champions struggled to create clear chances before the break, with Arthur Sales' looping header their closest effort as Lupopo led at halftime.

Sundowns improved after the restart and found an equaliser in the 55th minute. Jayden Adams powered home a header from Aubrey Modiba's corner to draw the visitors level.

Masandawana pushed for a winner, with Adams going close again and Teboho Mokoena striking the upright late on, while a promising chance involving Brayan Leon and Sales also went unfinished.

Both teams searched for a late goal, but the match ended level, leaving Sundowns needing a strong result against MC Alger in their final group match to secure a quarter-final place.

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