Sundowns Ladies Snatch Dramatic Late Winner To Claim First CAF Champions League Victory

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have finally registered their first victory at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League after producing a determined performance to defeat Lekie Football Girls 2-1 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Wednesday.

The South African champions showed their fighting spirit in an important Group A encounter, scoring a dramatic 87th-minute winner to secure all three points and strengthen their position in the competition.

The victory represents a significant boost for Sundowns Ladies, who entered the tournament with high expectations after establishing themselves as one of the leading forces in African women's football.

Their encounter against Lekie Football Girls was always expected to be a challenging test, with both teams understanding the importance of collecting maximum points at this stage of the tournament.

Sundowns started brightly and nearly took the lead inside the opening five minutes when Ronnel Donnelly capitalised on a defensive mistake, only for her effort to strike the upright. Lekie also threatened, but their early goal attempt through Ajara Nchout was ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 42nd minute. Donnelly produced an important contribution by setting up Refilwe Tholakele, who calmly finished to give the South Africans a deserved 1-0 lead before the half-time break.

After the restart, Sundowns continued searching for a second goal. Nthabiseng Majiya and Donnelly both had opportunities to extend the advantage, while substitute Lelona Daweti also came close with a header following a corner delivered by Karabo Dlamini.

However, Lekie refused to surrender and their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when substitute Nakoma Shalom found the equaliser after receiving an assist from Ajara Nchout.

Just when the contest appeared to be heading towards a draw, Sundowns produced another attacking moment that changed everything. In the 88th minute, pressure from Karabo Dlamini forced Lekie's defender Yvana Yakana Makana to turn the ball into her own net, handing the South African side a dramatic 2-1 victory.

The result moves Sundowns Ladies to the top of Group A with four points from their opening two matches. They began their campaign with a goalless draw against Egyptian outfit FC Masar before securing Wednesday's important victory.

For coach Godfrey Sapula, the result will provide encouragement as his team continues its pursuit of another continental title.

Sundowns Ladies have previously won the CAF Women's Champions League in 2021 and 2023, and remain determined to add another trophy to their impressive history.

Their next assignment will be against Morocco's FUS Rabat on Saturday, where another positive result could strengthen their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

The victory over Lekie is therefore more than just three points. It is an important statement from the South African champions as they continue their quest to reclaim their position at the summit of African women's football.

Sources https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2117981272270115065?a=x-_SUuwwD0OwdyZcuBo&s=19