As the 2024/25 CAF Champions League group stage draw unveils exciting matchups, former Al Ahly star Ahmed Fathy has raised concerns about Mamelodi Sundowns’ prospects in what he describes as a “challenging group.” The South African champions, who reached the semi-finals last season, have been placed in Group B alongside two powerhouse Moroccan clubs—Raja Club Athletic and AS FAR—as well as DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union.
Speaking on OnTime Sports, Fathy stressed the difficulty of Sundowns’ task, highlighting the formidable threat posed by the Moroccan teams. Both Raja and AS FAR have a strong history in continental competitions, with Raja having won the CAF Champions League three times. Fathy warned that the rising dominance of Moroccan football in recent years could present significant obstacles to Sundowns’ aspirations of securing a second CAF Champions League title.
Mamelodi Sundowns have consistently been one of South Africa’s top performers in the tournament, but Fathy believes this campaign will be more difficult than previous ones. Last season, they narrowly missed out on the final, being eliminated by Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the semi-finals.
The competition in Group B is fierce, with Raja and AS FAR representing two of Morocco’s strongest teams, both known for their ability to upset top opponents. The unpredictability of AS Maniema Union from DR Congo adds further complexity to the group, making Sundowns’ path to the knockout stages far from straightforward.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates, the other South African team in the competition, find themselves in Group C alongside Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, and Ivory Coast’s Stade d’Abidjan. Fathy remarked that while this group appears more balanced, the teams will still face a tough journey, especially considering the toll of long domestic seasons on players’ fitness.
As the CAF Champions League group stage kicks off on November 26, fans across Africa are eagerly awaiting the high-stakes clashes. Fathy emphasized the importance of home advantage and the role of passionate fans, which could be a decisive factor in determining the success of teams as they battle for continental glory.