The 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League season is set to feature a lineup of African football heavyweights in the group stages, with defending champions Al Ahly SC, former champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and TP Mazembe all securing their places on Saturday afternoon.
Two significant matches unfolded in South Africa that day, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. The 1995 champions, Orlando Pirates, made a noteworthy return to the group stages for the first time in five years.
They secured their spot by defeating Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 in Orlando, Soweto. A late goal from the in-form Monnapule Saleng sealed the victory and confirmed a 3-0 aggregate score for the Buccaneers.
This victory signals a strong comeback for Orlando Pirates, aiming to reestablish themselves in continental football.
Mamelodi Sundowns also showcased their dominance in the tournament as they faced Eswatini’s Mbabane Swallows.
After delivering an impressive 4-0 victory in the first leg, the 2016 champions continued their onslaught with another commanding 4-0 win at home. This performance doubled their aggregate score to 8-0, leaving the Swallows without a response.
In Cairo, reigning champions Al Ahly SC displayed their prowess by cruising past Kenya’s Gor Mahia with a decisive 3-0 win. Coming into the match with a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg, Al Ahly replicated their performance in Cairo, reinforcing their status as the record title-holders in the competition.
As these teams prepare for the group stages, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups and intense rivalries as they vie for continental glory.
Match Results:
| Match | Result | Aggregate Score |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Pirates vs. Jwaneng Galaxy | 1-0 | 3-0 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Mbabane Swallows | 4-0 | 8-0 |
| Al Ahly SC vs. Gor Mahia | 3-0 | 6-0 |
Despite entering the second leg with a solid 2-0 advantage, TP Mazembe faced a determined challenge from Red Arrows in Lubumbashi. The Zambians put up a commendable performance away from home, but the experience of the five-time champions proved decisive as they secured a 2-1 victory on their home turf.
However, the biggest surprise of the day occurred in Luanda, where Petro de Luanda saw their dreams of advancing in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League come to an abrupt end. They were eliminated by DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union, who advanced to the group stages for the first time in the competition’s history at the expense of the Angolan champions.
Maniema Union secured a goalless draw against Petro de Luanda in front of their home fans after winning the first leg 2-1.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League | Sunday, 22 September
Sunday, 22 September
- 14:00 UTC | Sagrada Esperanca vs. Enugu Rangers
- 16:00 UTC | Milo vs. Stade d’Abidjan
- 16:00 UTC | ASKO vs. Djoliba
- 18:00 UTC | AS FAR vs. Al-Merrikh
- 19:00 UTC | Al-Hilal vs. San-Pedro
