Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have recorded their first victory in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League after defeating Cameroonian side Lekie Football Girls 2-1 in an exciting Group A encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Wednesday.

The South African champions entered the match determined to collect maximum points after beginning their campaign with a goalless draw against Egyptian side FC Masar.

Sundowns started positively and created several opportunities, with Ronnel Donnelly coming close to scoring inside the opening five minutes when her effort struck the post.

Both teams also had goals ruled out for offside before the breakthrough finally arrived shortly before the interval.

In the 42nd minute, Botswana international Refilwe Tholakele gave Sundowns the advantage after receiving a pass from Donnelly and calmly finding the back of the net.

The Brazilians maintained their lead after the restart and continued searching for another goal. Donnelly and Nthabiseng Majiya both had opportunities to extend the advantage, but Lekie's goalkeeper prevented them from converting.

Lekie refused to give up and eventually restored parity in the 84th minute through Shalom Makoma, who finished an opportunity created by experienced forward Ajara Nchout.

However, Sundowns responded quickly. In the 88th minute, a dangerous delivery from Karabo Dlamini resulted in an own goal by Lekie defender Ivana Yakana, handing the South African side a dramatic late winner.

The three points moved Sundowns to the top of Group A with four points from two matches, putting them in a strong position ahead of their remaining group fixture against Morocco's FUS Rabat.

The victory keeps their hopes of winning a third CAF Women's Champions League title firmly alive.

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