Jayden Adams rescues Mamelodi Sundowns in crucial CAF Champions League draw

Mamelodi Sundowns showed resilience under pressure as they fought back to secure a vital 1–1 draw against St Eloi Lupopo in a tense CAF Champions League Group C encounter in Lubumbashi on Sunday.

Following a rock ’n roll start in Congo-Brazzaville, the hosts struck the decisive early blow to stun Sundowns, carrying a 1–0 lead into the interval of a high-stakes continental battle. The draw leaves Group C delicately poised heading into the final round.

Al Hilal Omdurman remain top on eight points after five matches, followed by MC Alger on seven. Sundowns sit third on six points, while St Eloi Lupopo trail on five, with qualification still open to all four teams. After collecting just one point from a possible six against Al Hilal, the trip to Lubumbashi had become decisive for Sundowns. 

The margin for error had narrowed dramatically, and the South African champions arrived knowing that composure and courage were non-negotiable if they were to keep their continental campaign alive.

Lupopo went ahead in the 19th minute through Enoch Moila, who punished a rare lapse at the back. The stocky centre forward was perfectly positioned at the far post to tap home, benefiting from a sublime run down the right by Jean Tukumbane, whose low, teasing cross exposed Sundowns’ defensive line and left returning goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with little chance. 

Williams’ recall was expected to restore defensive certainty, but Lupopo’s early aggression set a demanding tone. 

The Congolese outfit pressed with intent, played with physical authority and attacked with conviction whenever space opened up, feeding off the intensity generated by a hostile home crowd.

Sundowns dominated possession, enjoying 61% of the ball in the first half, yet struggled to translate control into genuine threat. By the interval, they had managed just two shots, none of them on target, highlighting a lack of incision in the final third. 

Lupopo, meanwhile, were more direct and purposeful, registering three attempts and forcing the only shot on target in the opening stanza.

The second half saw a different Sundowns emerge. The visitors asserted themselves higher up the pitch and were rewarded in the 55th minute through an unfamiliar source. 

Midfielder Jayden Adams rose unmarked inside the area to guide a composed header into the top corner from a set-piece, scoring just his second goal of the season. Buoyed by the equaliser, Sundowns pressed for a winner and carved out clearer chances. 

The best arrived in the 80th minute when substitute Bryan Leon went one-on-one with the goalkeeper but hesitated, shifting responsibility to Arthur Sales, whose rushed effort was fired straight at the keeper with the goal gaping behind him.

In the end, the point keeps Sundowns in contention but leaves no margin for error. With only one match remaining, their CAF Champions League fate will be decided against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger in a decisive final group encounter.