Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies secured an important victory at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League finals after beating Cameroonian side Lekie Football Girls 2-1 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, on Wednesday. The South African champions had to fight until the closing stages to collect all three points after their opponents managed to equalise late in the match. However, an unfortunate own goal from Lekie helped Godfrey Sapula's team restore their advantage and claim their first win of the tournament.

The result puts Sundowns Ladies at the top of Group A with four points from two matches. They began their campaign with a draw against FC Masar before collecting their first three points against Lekie. The Cameroonian newcomers, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the group without a point after losing both of their opening matches.

Sundowns coach Godfrey Sapula made three changes to his starting line-up following the draw against FC Masar. Asanda Hadebe came into the team in place of Khutso Pila, while Amanda Mthandi replaced Wendy Shongwe. Nthabiseng Majiya also started ahead of Isabella Ludwig as the South African side looked to improve their attacking performance.

The Hollywoodbets Super League champions nearly took the lead inside the opening five minutes. Ronnel Donnelly capitalised on a poor clearance from the Lekie defence and found herself with a good opportunity inside the penalty area. However, her effort struck the upright, denying Sundowns an early advantage.

Lekie also showed that they could threaten the South African defence. Ajara Nchout found the back of the net in the eighth minute, but her goal was disallowed for offside. The two teams continued exchanging possession as they searched for an opening, although clear chances remained limited during the early stages.

Nchout later attempted a shot from distance shortly after the half-hour mark, but her effort went over the crossbar.

Sundowns thought they had scored five minutes before half-time when Bambanani Mbane headed home a delivery from Majiya. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, delaying the South Africans' breakthrough.

The goal eventually arrived in the 40th minute. Donnelly created the opportunity for Refilwe Tholakele, who finished calmly to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead. It was also the first goal scored by the South African champions at this year's tournament.

Donnelly had further opportunities to increase the advantage before the break but could not find the target. Lekie also threatened through Monele Nnanga, whose attempt narrowly missed the goal during first-half stoppage time.

Both sides returned for the second half, with Sapula deciding to keep his starting team unchanged. Sundowns continued searching for a second goal, and Majiya and Donnelly both tested the opposition goalkeeper. However, their efforts were comfortably dealt with.

Substitute Lelona Daweti nearly made an immediate impact after coming on in the 77th minute. She connected with a corner delivered by Karabo Dlamini, but her effort went narrowly over the crossbar.

With six minutes remaining, Lekie found a way back into the match. Nchout provided the assist for Makoma Shalom, who scored to make it 1-1 and put Sundowns under pressure.

However, the equaliser did not last long. Just two minutes later, Dlamini delivered another dangerous ball into the penalty area, forcing Makana Yakana to turn the ball into her own net. The unfortunate own goal restored Sundowns' lead and eventually decided the match.

The South African champions managed to protect their advantage during the remaining minutes to secure a valuable 2-1 victory.

Sundowns Ladies will now turn their attention to their final Group A encounter against Moroccan side FUS Rabat on Saturday. Sapula and his players will be hoping to continue their positive results and finish the group stage strongly as they pursue another CAF Women's Champions League title.

The victory gives the South Africans an important boost, but they will know that there is still work to be done before they can secure their place in the next stage of the competition.

Source: IDiskiTimes