Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2016 CAF Champions League Victory

Ten years ago, Mamelodi Sundowns achieved something no South African club had done in over two decades – they were crowned champions of Africa. The last team to achieve this feat was Orlando Pirates in 1995.

Sundowns have one hand on the trophy after their 1-0 win in the first leg in Tshwane last Saturday. As Masandawana prepare for the second leg in Rabat, it’s worth revisiting their remarkable first African title in 2016.

The journey to the title did not begin smoothly. Sundowns were initially eliminated by AS Vita Club in the qualifying rounds, but they were reinstated after the Congolese side was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. This second chance proved crucial, and Pitso Mosimane’s side grabbed it with both hands.

Sundowns’ Dominant Performance in the First Leg

The first leg was played at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on 15 October 2016, and Sundowns delivered a masterclass performance. Goals from Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman, plus an own goal, gave Masandawana a commanding 3-0 victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek. This performance announced Sundowns as genuine continental giants, not just passengers lucky to be in a final.

Denis Onyango was commanding in goal, Hlompho Kekana controlled midfield, and the attacking brilliance of Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly, and Leonardo Castro was simply too much for the Egyptians to handle.

The Night Africa Fell in Love with KaBo Yellow

The second leg at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on 23 October 2016 was always going to be hostile. Zamalek won 1-0 on the night through Stanley Ohawuchi, but it was nowhere near enough. Sundowns held firm to win 3-1 on aggregate and were crowned champions of Africa. Khama Billiat captured the moment perfectly: “It was an amazing journey of ups and downs. Now we are the champions of Africa.”

Now, in 2026, Masandawana stand on the brink of a second star. The class of 2016 blazed the trail. The question is whether this generation can finish the job in Rabat.