Sundowns Ladies stunned by debutants in the CAF Women’s Champions League

The result meant both South African teams at the continental club competition got off to a poor start – after newcomers University of the Western Cape (UWC) were stunned 2-0 by TP Mazembe of DR Congo on Saturday.

It was the first time in four years that Sundowns Ladies were defeated in the opening match of this tournament.

Many expected a lot from the defending champions who last lost in this competition on 13 November 2022 when they were walloped 4-0 in the final by AS FAR.

The South Africans have now played 16 matches since 2021, and this was only their second loss.

After going toe to toe with the Egyptian League champions for long periods in the first half, it appeared as though the two teams would go to a break level pegging.

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But just on the stroke of half time, Sundowns Ladies defender Tiisetso Makhubela was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box, and a penalty was awarded to FC Masar. Forward Sandrine Niyonkuru made no mistake to beat goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija and register the club’s first ever goal in the tournament.

Sundowns Ladies dominated the affair with several close chances after South Africa’s Jerry Tshabalala brought on fresh legs - introducing Oratile Mokwena, Khunjulwa Mali and Nthabiseng Majiya in place of Kholosa Biyana, Boitumelo Rabale and Melinda Kgadiete, respectively.

But the changes did not yield any results as the North Africans held on for a famous victory, sending shockwaves throughout the competition.

The defending champions now have to bounce back in their next assignment against other debutants Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE FC) on Wednesday at 4pm.

The East Africans suffered the heaviest the defeat in the tournament so far when they were beaten 3-0 by Edo Queens of Nigeria – with goals by Emem Essien (5’), Folashade Ljamilusi (54’) and Chukwuamaka Osigwe (80’).

The West Africans were in total control in their debut appearance in the competition, cruising to a comfortable victory to take charge of Group B, followed by FC Masar. Sundowns Ladies and CBE FC are third and fourth respectively.