Afrique du Sud – Nigéria : Aline Guimbang au sifflet

Les Lionnes Indomptables se sont qualifiées pour la finale de la CAN 2026 face au Maroc, pays organisateur. Repêchées par la CAF, elles ont créé la surprise dans un stade. En attendant la finale face au Malwa, une autre Lionne sera de sortie ce soir au stade Moulay Rachid de Casablanca. C’est dans le cadre […] xsportfeed.quest

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CAF Champions League 2026/27: Sundowns eye group stage dominance.The CAF Champions League 2026/27 group stage draw has set the stage for another thrilling continental campaign. South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns are once again at the forefront, carrying the hopes of the nation as they aim for ultimate glory. Their journey through the preliminary rounds has been closely watched, culminating in their expected progression to the elite phase.

This season promises intense competition, with familiar powerhouses and ambitious challengers vying for supremacy. The group stage, scheduled from late November 2026 to late January 2027, will test the depth, strategy, and resilience of Africa’s top clubs. As the dust settles on the preliminary rounds, the focus now shifts to the tactical battles and individual brilliance that define this prestigious tournament.

Mamelodi sundowns’ path to the groups

Mamelodi Sundowns, a consistent force in African football, navigated the preliminary rounds with their characteristic blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair. Their experience in continental competitions proved invaluable, allowing them to overcome early challenges. The Brazilians’ squad depth and strategic planning under their technical team have been key factors in their sustained success.

Their qualification for the group stage was widely anticipated, given their strong domestic form and recent CAF Champions League pedigree. Sundowns’ ability to manage multiple competitions simultaneously speaks volumes about their professional setup. They will be looking to build on past performances and assert their dominance from the very first group match.

Key contenders and potential rivals

Beyond Sundowns, several other African giants have secured their spots in the group stage, promising a high level of competition. North African powerhouses like Al Ahly, Wydad AC, and ES Tunis are perennial contenders, known for their tactical prowess and passionate fan bases. Their rich history in the tournament makes them formidable opponents for any team.

East African rivals Simba SC and Young Africans also progressed, demonstrating the growing strength of football in that region. Teams from the COSAFA region, while facing tough draws, have shown resilience and the potential to cause upsets. The diversity of clubs in the group stage ensures varied playing styles and exciting matchups across the continent.

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Group stage dynamics and challenges

The group stage format demands consistency and strategic planning. Teams must balance home advantage with the challenges of away fixtures, often involving extensive travel across the continent. The intensity of playing multiple matches in a short period, coupled with domestic league commitments, tests the physical and mental fortitude of players.

Coaches will need to employ astute rotation policies and adapt their tactics to counter diverse opponents. The battle for the top two spots in each group will be fierce, as only these teams advance to the knockout stages. Every point will be crucial, and goal difference could play a significant role in determining qualification.

South African hopes and expectations

For South African football fans, Mamelodi Sundowns’ participation in the CAF Champions League group stage is a source of immense pride and expectation. The team carries the hopes of the nation, aiming to bring the coveted trophy back to Chloorkop. Their performances on the continental stage reflect the quality and growth of the Premier Soccer League.

The experience gained by Sundowns’ players in these high-stakes matches also benefits the national team, Bafana Bafana. Their success inspires younger generations of footballers and elevates the profile of South African football on the global stage. The journey ahead will be challenging, but Sundowns are well-equipped to compete at the highest level.

Fast facts and faqs

When do the CAF Champions League 2026/27 group stage matches take place?

The group stage matches are scheduled from 27–29 November 2026 to 22–24 January 2027.

How many teams qualify for the group stage?

Sixteen winners from the Second Preliminary Round ties advance to the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27.

Which South African team is in the group stage?

Mamelodi Sundowns is the South African representative in the CAF Champions League 2026/27 group stage.

Where can i find live scores and fixtures?

Official CAF platforms and sports news websites like Soccerway provide live scores, fixtures, and results for the CAF Champions League 2026/27.

Conclusion

The CAF Champions League 2026/27 group stage promises to be a captivating spectacle of African football. Mamelodi Sundowns are poised to make a significant impact, carrying the hopes of South Africa. The journey will be arduous, filled with tactical battles and moments of individual brilliance, but Sundowns possess the quality and experience to contend for the ultimate prize. Fans across the continent eagerly await the kickoff of what is set to be an unforgettable tournament.

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Taylor will captain the All Blacks for the first time in his 110th All Blacks match, and in what will be his first match of the tour, against the Bulls. Props Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax will also play their first match of the tour.

Six players from the All Blacks team who beat the Sharks 54-0 on Tuesday retain their places in the matchday 23 for the Bulls match: lock Josh Lord, loose forward Wallace Sititi, halfbacks Kyle Preston and Cortez Ratima (who are both playing their third game of the tour), midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai, and outside back Emoni Narawa.

A total of 14 players named in the 23 to take on the Bulls played in the opening match against the Stormers.

HOW THE ALL BLACKS WILL LINE UP AGAINST THE BULLS

ALL BLACKS – 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 1 Xavier Numia.
Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.

The Bulls have named a solid side for this clash, including the likes of Willie le Roux, Curwin Bosch, Embrose Papier,and Marcell Coetzee.

“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years,” said New Zealand coach Dave Rennie.

“Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead.

“This is also our final hit out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us. There is healthy competition for Test spots so this is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection.

“Huge congratulations to Codie on his first All Blacks captaincy. He is a top man and has done a great job leading this tour group. This is a proud moment for an All Blacks centurion who has made a massive contribution to this team as a player and a leader.”

Kick off is at 19:00.

WHAT THE BULLS TEAM LOOKS LIKE

BULLS – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Bench: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

The All Blacks were too good for the Stormers and Sharks. And they will also be too good for the Bulls.

But the 54-0 scoreline against the Sharks in Durban did not disguise New Zealand’s vulnerability where it will matter most against the Springboks.

The All Blacks scrum is in trouble.

We saw this in Cape Town against the Stormers scrum and even against a Sharks pack without six of their Springboks, they were never dominant.

The Sharks were outclassed in the worst Durban weather imaginable, but their scrum stood up. They won penalties, disrupted the All Blacks and, when the young replacements arrived, the Junior Bok props immediately forced another scrum penalty.

When thinking Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series between the world champion Springboks and All Blacks, that matters more than the final score.

The Sharks were never going to have the playing resources to sustain a challenge without their Springboks and several other leading players. They competed for 25 minutes, trailed just 7-0 and went into half-time 14-0 down.

Then the All Blacks came.

The rain delayed the inevitable. On a dry field, it would have been much uglier.

New Zealand’s individual skill remains exceptional. Their ability to pick up a ball from the ground, transfer in contact and turn poor possession into attacking opportunity is different to anything seen regularly in South African rugby.

Once the Sharks lost their defensive intensity, which lasted less than 30 minutes, every All Blacks possession threatened seven points.

But this was an okay All Blacks performance and not a great one.

They were expected to dominate the scrum. They didn’t. Their execution, even allowing for the conditions, was not always as precise as it should have been from a side featuring so many likely Test starters.

The All Blacks were also slow to start.

Against the Sharks, that did not hurt them. Against the Springboks at Ellis Park, the same start could have them 21 points down before they have taken a breath.

There was tactical growth from Cape Town to Durban. The All Blacks kicked more than 30 times against the Sharks, which was double their kicks in Cape Town. Player of the Match and inside centre Jordie Barrett identified the space, kicked intelligently and repeatedly moved the contest into the right areas.

It was slow poison.

The Sharks resisted for as long as they could, but the pressure eventually became too much.

The night’s most memorable contribution still belonged to 103 Test All Blacks veteran Ma’a Nonu. who was making his debut for the Sharks.

At 44, Nonu’s presence was greater than any carry or tackle. His response to the All Blacks’ haka, his physicality during his 20 minutes and the respect between him, the All Blacks and the Durban crowd gave the occasion its magic.

The Sharks youngsters will remember the 54-0 defeat. They will benefit more from sharing a dressing room and training environment with Nonu.

Now it is the Bulls’ turn.

The Bulls will provide the All Blacks with a stronger examination. Their team has enough experience, forward power and URC quality to compete for an hour. Jeandré Rudolph will be a nuisance, Willie le Roux will provide calm and creativity, and the Bulls’ kicking game will test the All Blacks at altitude.

The Bulls must attack the scrum. They must win collisions and force the All Blacks to play from the wrong side of halfway.

They can trouble them, but They won’t beat them.

Zelim Nel has the All Blacks winning 47-19. My score is 41-26.

The Bulls will contribute to a better contest than Durban and, in dry conditions, there should be tries from both teams. But New Zealand’s counterattack and transition play will eventually break them.

The Bulls can make the All Blacks sweat for an hour.

Then the All Blacks will pull away.

And then the warm-ups end and the real war begins at Ellis Park on the 22nd August.