Denis Onyango’s Mamelodi Sundowns comfortably advanced into the quarterfinals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League as the best performing team in the group stages overall.
Masandawana edged TP Mazembe 1-0 in their final Group A game at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
Namibian Peter Shalulile’s goal from the penalty kick in the 38th minute ensured that Bafana ba Style finished with 13 points, the most of any other team in the group stages this season.
Rulani Mokwena’s side won four games, lost and drew once apiece.
Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Onyango’s paymasters are chasing their second Champions League triumph in history.
The Brazilians clinched their maiden and only Champions League title in 2016 with Onyango their main goalkeeper.
Today, the 38-year-old is second fiddle to South African custodian Ronwen Williams.
Last season, they were ejected by Wydad Casablanca in the semifinals, and Mokwena attributed their exit to lack of experience.
Having won the inaugural African Football League (AFL) last year, Sundowns will be hoping that they have garnered enough experience to go all the way, and win the Champions League again.
As always, Mamelodi is amongst the favourites to win it, including holders and record champions Al Ahly from Egypt.
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It is important to note that East African country Tanzania is the only nation with two representative in the last eight of the competition.
Arch rivals Simba SC and Young Africans SC reached this year’s quarterfinals.
Onyango's compatriot Khalid Aucho plies his trade with Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC who will be playing in the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
Quarterfinalists
Mamelodi Sundowns - South Africa
Al Ahly - Egypt
Young Africans and Simba SC - Tanzania
Esperance - Tunisia
TP Mazembe - Democratic Republic of Congo
Petro de Luanda - Angola
ASEC Mimosas - Ivory Coast