Remo Stars target CAF champions league breakthrough against wounded Sundowns

Nigerian champions Remo Stars and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will both be chasing redemption when they meet on Sunday in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Sport360NG reports.

For both sides, the contest represents more than a step toward the group stage, it’s a chance to reignite their seasons after slow domestic starts.

Remo Stars, who dazzled on their way to a maiden Nigeria Premier Football League crown last term, have struggled to find their rhythm this season. The Ikenne-based side slumped to a 3–1 defeat against Katsina United in their last outing, their third loss in four games, a run that has left them 12th in the table with 10 points, though they have a game in hand.

Despite their shaky form, Remo remain one of Nigeria’s most ambitious clubs. Since making their continental debut in the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup, where they earned a creditable draw away to AS FAR Rabat, the Sky Blue Stars have steadily grown in experience against North and West African opposition.

That progress was evident in the first round of this year’s competition, where they comfortably dispatched Comoros’ US Zilimadjou 5–0 on aggregate. Now in their fourth continental campaign, Daniel Ogunmodede’s men are targeting a historic first-ever appearance in the Champions League group stage.

Their visitors, Mamelodi Sundowns, boast a far richer continental pedigree but arrive with frustrations of their own. Since lifting their maiden CAF Champions League title in 2016, the Pretoria giants have regularly reached the final stages but have fallen just short, losing to Pyramids FC in last season’s final, Esperance in 2023/24, and suffering earlier exits at the hands of Wydad Casablanca, Al Ahly, and Petro de Luanda in recent years.

Under new Portuguese coach Miguel Cardozo, the Masandawana remain a formidable force in African football but have endured a mixed start to the 2025/26 campaign. They top the Betway Premiership standings, albeit narrowly, with six wins, three draws and one loss from ten matches, a record that has come under scrutiny given their title rivals’ games in hand.

Their domestic cup form has also been disappointing. Sundowns crashed out of the Carling Knockout Cup in the round of 16 to Marumo Gallants and lost to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-finals.

Injuries have further complicated matters for Cardozo, who will be without winger Thapelo Morena, injured during South Africa’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, as well as striker Iqraam Rayners and long-term absentee Themba Zwane.

Still, the coach insists his team have prepared thoroughly for the tie and will not underestimate their Nigerian hosts.

“Several of our players had international commitments, but we travelled early to Nigeria to help them recover and adapt,” Cardozo told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“We trained before leaving South Africa and have since focused on adjusting to the weather and pitch conditions so we can perform at our best.”

Responding to criticism over his team’s pragmatic style, the Portuguese tactician pointed to Sundowns’ domestic dominance.

“People can talk, but last season we broke every record in South African football, that says everything,” he said.

Cardozo also warned his players against complacency, stressing the dangers of underestimating Remo Stars.

“If we think our status or past success will count for anything on the pitch, we’re making a big mistake,” he cautioned.
“Every match in Africa is difficult. If we want to be serious about Champions League football, we must show focus and respect. Otherwise, the underdog story can happen anywhere.”

Both Nigeria and South Africa have produced two CAF Champions League winners each. Enyimba remain Nigeria’s most successful club, claiming back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, while Orlando Pirates (1995) and Sundowns (2016) have each lifted the trophy once for South Africa.

Sundowns’ squad remains laden with internationals, including Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, and Teboho Mokoena, all of whom featured in Bafana Bafana’s recent 3–0 World Cup qualifying victory.

The return leg takes place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on October 26. If the tie remains level after both legs, the away goals rule will apply before a penalty shootout decides the winner.