CAF Champions League
Remo Stars Host Mamelodi Sundowns in Crucial CAF Champions League Showdown
Nigerian champions Remo Stars face the sternest test of their continental campaign this afternoon when they take on South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League second-round, first-leg clash at the Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
The match marks a defining moment for the Sky Blue Stars, who are seeking to establish themselves among Africa’s elite clubs after their rapid rise in Nigerian football over the past few seasons.
Facing the 2016 African champions and one of the most dominant sides on the continent, however, presents a formidable challenge.
David vs Goliath Battle
Remo Stars, making only their first appearance in the CAF Champions League second round, will rely on the energy of their youthful squad and the tactical ingenuity of coach Daniel Ogunmodede to contain the attacking flair of Sundowns — a side that has featured in every CAF Champions League group stage since 2018.
Mamelodi Sundowns arrive in Nigeria with an aura of confidence, boasting a squad stacked with experience, including captain Ronwen Williams, midfield maestro Themba Zwane, and Teboho Mokoena.
The South Africans are fresh from domestic victories in the DStv Premiership and will be looking to seize an early advantage before the return leg in Pretoria.
Remo Stars’ Home Advantage
Playing at home, Remo Stars will count on their passionate home fans to inspire them against one of the continent’s most technically efficient sides.
Forward Adams Olamilekan and midfielder Hadi Haruna will be key in unlocking the visitors’ defence, while goalkeeper Obassa is expected to play a vital role in keeping Sundowns’ potent attack at bay.
Coach Ogunmodede’s Confidence
Ahead of the match, coach Ogunmodede expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“We respect Sundowns for what they’ve achieved, but we’re not intimidated. Football is decided on the pitch, and we’re ready to fight for every ball,” he said.
Sundowns Aim to Maintain Continental Dominance
For the visitors, coach Rhulani Mokwena has made it clear that Sundowns are approaching the tie with full focus, aware that a strong first-leg performance could make their job easier back home in Pretoria.
“We know Nigerian teams are tough and physical, but we’ve prepared well. Our goal is to get a positive result and keep our momentum going,” Mokwena told South African media.
For Remo Stars, today’s clash is more than just a football match — it is an opportunity to announce their arrival on the continental stage against one of Africa’s finest football machines.
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will conduct the quarter-final draws for the 2025/26 editions of its two flagship interclub competitions — the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup — on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo.
The CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw is scheduled to begin at 13:00 Cairo time (11:00 GMT), followed by the CAF Champions League quarter-final draw at 14:00 Cairo time (12:00 GMT).
The ceremonies will be broadcast live on CAF’s official YouTube platform, CAF TV, allowing fans across the continent and beyond to follow proceedings in real time.
Road to the Finals Takes Shape
The draws will determine not only the quarter-final pairings but also the pathway to the finals in both competitions, effectively mapping out the remaining knockout journey for Africa’s elite clubs.
With the group stages concluded, the quarter-finals mark the beginning of direct elimination football — a phase traditionally defined by tactical discipline, squad depth and mental resilience. Clubs will be keenly watching the draw to gauge potential heavyweight clashes or favourable routes to the semi-finals.
In the Champions League, former title holders and emerging contenders alike will be hoping to avoid early confrontations against continental heavyweights. Similarly, in the Confederation Cup, where competitive balance has grown in recent seasons, the draw could produce intriguing North-South or West-East showdowns.
Strategic Importance for Clubs
Beyond sporting prestige, progression to the latter stages of CAF competitions carries significant financial incentives, enhanced continental ranking points and increased global visibility. With African club football enjoying expanded broadcast reach and commercial partnerships, success in these tournaments has become both a sporting and economic objective.
Hosting the draws at the Egyptian FA headquarters in Cairo reinforces the city’s status as a nerve centre of African football administration, as clubs await clarity on their next assignments in what promises to be a decisive knockout phase of the 2025/26 campaign.
All eyes will now turn to Cairo as Africa’s road to continental glory becomes clearer.
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Moroccan side RS Berkane delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Rivers United FC to book their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Berkane imposed themselves early and broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Youssef Mehri fired into the bottom corner following a swift attacking move.
The hosts doubled their lead seven minutes later as Paul Valère Bassène finished clinically after being played through by Mounir Chouiar, leaving Rivers United with a mountain to climb before halftime.
The contest was effectively settled eight minutes into the second half. Bassène grabbed his second of the night in the 53rd minute, converting from close range after a corner to put the result beyond doubt.
Berkane maintained control for the remainder of the match, limiting Rivers United to speculative efforts and half-chances before comfortably seeing out the encounter.
With the results, Pyramids FC finish top of Group A, while RS Berkane join them in the knockout phase as runners-up, bringing the group stage to a decisive conclusion.
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Reigning CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC signed off their group-stage campaign in style with a 3–1 victory over Power Dynamos FC on Matchday 6 to secure top spot in Group A.
The Egyptian side made a bright start and went ahead in the 16th minute when Mostafa Ziko rose highest to head home from a corner, underlining their early dominance.
Power Dynamos responded almost immediately. Frederick Mulambia restored parity a minute later, finishing from close range after a well-worked cross to briefly unsettle the hosts.
However, Pyramids regained control midway through the first half. In the 33rd minute, Youssef Obama reacted quickest inside the penalty area to restore the lead, sending the defending champions into the break 2–1 ahead.
The decisive moment came in the 59th minute when Ewerton unleashed a superb right-footed strike from outside the box that nestled into the bottom corner, extending the advantage to 3–1.
Despite late substitutions and sporadic pressure from the visitors, Pyramids managed proceedings comfortably to claim all three points and finish the group stage at the summit.
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