Sundowns Ladies face FC Masar in Sunday’s African title campaign opener

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies begin their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign against Egyptian hosts FC Masar on Sunday, 1 November, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 SAST.

The opening-day fixture in Ismailia launches Sundowns’ pursuit of a third continental title, following their successes in 2021 and 2023.

FC Masar, Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles complete Group A, giving the South African representatives three different challenges in the first phase.

There is recent history behind Sunday’s meeting. Masar defeated Sundowns 1–0 at the 2024 tournament, providing an additional edge to an opener that already carries the pressure of establishing an early group-stage position.

Sundowns will then face Lekié Football Filles on Wednesday, 4 November, at 14:00 SAST, before completing their group programme against FUS Rabat on Saturday, 7 November, also at 14:00 SAST.

The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals on 11 November.

In Group B, defending champions AS FAR face Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies, Mali’s USFAS Bamako and Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa.

CAF’s updated tournament guide now lists Ampem Darkoa as the WAFU B representative, completing the eight-club field.

The competition runs until 15 November at the Suez Canal Stadium. Alongside the African trophy, the winners will secure a place in the qualifying rounds of the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

For Sundowns, that wider opportunity begins with the immediate assignment: negotiating a demanding opening match against the host club.