Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies recorded their first win at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League finals after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cameroonian newcomers Lekie Football Girls at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Wednesday.

The South African champions had to overcome a difficult challenge after Lekie managed to score a late equaliser, but an unfortunate own goal shortly afterwards ensured that Godfrey Sapula's team collected all three points.

The victory takes Sundowns Ladies to the top of Group A with four points from their opening two matches. The Brazilians began their campaign with a draw against FC Masar before claiming victory over Lekie. Meanwhile, the Cameroonian side remain bottom of the group without a point after suffering defeats in their first two fixtures.

Sundowns head coach Godfrey Sapula made three adjustments to his starting line-up following their opening encounter. Asanda Hadebe replaced Khutso Pila, Amanda Mthandi was brought in for Wendy Shongwe, while Nthabiseng Majiya was selected ahead of Isabella Ludwig.

The Hollywoodbets Super League champions started the match with attacking intent and came close to opening the scoring within the first five minutes. Ronnel Donnelly capitalised on a defensive mistake from Lekie and found herself in a promising position inside the penalty area, but her effort struck the post.

Lekie also showed attacking ambition in the early stages, with Ajara Nchout finding the net in the eighth minute. However, her effort was ruled out for offside, preventing Sundowns from falling behind.

Both sides continued searching for the opening goal, although clear-cut opportunities remained limited. Nchout attempted another effort from distance shortly after the 30-minute mark, but her shot sailed over the crossbar.

Sundowns thought they had taken the lead five minutes before the interval when Bambanani Mbane headed home after receiving a delivery from Majiya. However, the goal was disallowed because of an offside infringement.

The South Africans eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through Refilwe Tholakele. Donnelly played an important role in the move by providing the assist, allowing Tholakele to finish calmly and give Sundowns a 1-0 advantage.

Donnelly had additional opportunities to extend the lead before half-time but failed to convert them. Lekie also threatened towards the end of the first half, with Monele Nnanga coming close after her attempt narrowly missed the target during stoppage time.

Both teams resumed the encounter without making changes to their starting line-ups. Sundowns continued pushing for another goal, with Majiya and Donnelly creating opportunities, but the Lekie goalkeeper prevented them from increasing their advantage.

Substitute Lelona Daweti almost made an immediate impact after entering the game in the 77th minute. She connected with a corner delivered by Karabo Dlamini, but her attempt went narrowly over the crossbar.

Despite Sundowns' efforts to protect their lead, Lekie refused to surrender and found an equaliser six minutes before the end of normal time. Nchout turned provider this time, setting up Makoma Shalom, who converted to make it 1-1 and put the South African champions under pressure.

However, Sundowns responded just two minutes later to restore their advantage. Karabo Dlamini sent a dangerous delivery into the penalty area, forcing Makana Yakana to inadvertently direct the ball into her own net.

The unfortunate own goal proved decisive as Sundowns regained their lead and successfully defended it during the remaining minutes to secure an important 2-1 victory.

Sapula's team will now turn their attention to their final Group A fixture against Moroccan outfit FUS Rabat on Saturday. The South African champions will be determined to maintain their positive momentum and improve their chances of reaching the knockout stages as they continue their pursuit of another CAF Women's Champions League crown.

Source: IDiskiTimes