Sundowns’ Khaled Ali Declares War on CAF Champions League Rivals: “We Fear No One” in a Battle for Supremacy in African Football!

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Sundowns’ Khaled Ali Declares War on CAF Champions League Rivals: “We Fear No One” in a Battle for Supremacy in African Football!

The recent group stage draw for the CAF Champions League has set the stage for a thrilling and intense season in African football, with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns emerging as a formidable contender. The draw, which took place in Johannesburg, has placed Sundowns in a challenging group alongside Al Hilal from Sudan, MC Alger from Algeria, and Saint-Éloi Lupopo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This grouping has ignited a fire within the Sundowns camp, with Khaled Ali, the club’s general coordinator, making it clear that they are not intimidated by their opponents.

Khaled Ali’s bold declaration, “We fear no one,” encapsulates the spirit of a team that reached the finals of the previous season’s Champions League. His words resonate deeply within the context of African football, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are high. The 2025/2026 season is poised to be particularly challenging, with seven out of the sixteen teams in the group stage being former champions. The presence of Renaissance de Berkane, last season’s Confederation Cup winners, further heightens the competitive atmosphere.

The concept of “groups of death” is not new in football, but Ali’s assertion that both Sundowns’ and Al Ahly’s groups qualify as such underscores the intensity of the competition this year. Al Ahly, a historic powerhouse in African football, has consistently drawn large crowds and generated electric atmospheres in their matches. Ali’s acknowledgment of this rivalry speaks to the broader narrative of African football, where traditional powerhouses often clash in high-stakes encounters.

Sundowns’ group, featuring teams with rich histories and passionate fan bases, promises to deliver thrilling matches. The anticipation surrounding the clash with MC Alger is palpable, as both teams are known for their attacking prowess and tactical acumen. The atmosphere in the stadiums during these encounters is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their teams in a display of fervor and support.

Ali’s comments also reflect a broader understanding of the dynamics at play in the CAF Champions League. The tournament has evolved into a battleground for African clubs, where the pursuit of glory is matched only by the desire to assert dominance over rivals. The pressure to perform is immense, and teams must be prepared for every match, as Ali aptly stated. The road to the title is fraught with challenges, and those who aspire to lift the coveted trophy must navigate a gauntlet of skilled opponents.

The historical context of the CAF Champions League adds depth to the current narrative. The tournament has witnessed the rise and fall of various clubs, with some emerging as giants while others have struggled to find their footing. Sundowns, with their recent success, have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with, but they are acutely aware that past achievements do not guarantee future success. The competition is relentless, and complacency can lead to downfall.

In addition to the on-field battles, the organizational aspects of the tournament also play a crucial role. With the Confederation of African Football (CAF) setting deadlines for teams to submit their schedules and home stadiums, the logistical challenges of participating in the Champions League cannot be underestimated. Teams must ensure that they are well-prepared both on and off the pitch, as any misstep can have significant consequences.

As the countdown to the CAF Champions League begins, the excitement surrounding the tournament continues to build. Fans, players, and clubs alike are gearing up for a season that promises to be filled with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. The stakes are high, and the desire to claim the title is palpable among all participants. In this arena, where legends are forged and rivalries are intensified, the battle for supremacy in African football is set to unfold in spectacular fashion. The clash of titans awaits, and the world will be watching as Sundowns and their rivals vie for glory in the CAF Champions League.

"We fear no one"… Sundowns coordinator Khaled Ali throws down the gauntlet to CAF CL giants!

Khaled Ali: ‘Whoever wants to win the title must be ready for every match’

Khaled Ali – Sundowns / @x.com/iDiskiTimes

The group stage draw for the CAF Champions League, held last Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa, placed Sundowns in a tough group featuring Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria) and Saint-Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo).

In an exclusive interview with the “Al Ahly” channel, Khaled Ali, general coordinator of South Africa’s Sundowns, broke down the draw for the 2025/2026 season.

He stated: “This season’s CAF Champions League will be extremely challenging. Seven out of the sixteen teams in the group stage are former champions, and we also see Renaissance de Berkane, last season’s Confederation Cup winners.”

He added: “There are two groups you could call ‘groups of death’: Al Ahly’s and Sundowns’, which on paper look like the strongest.”

Khaled Ali: ‘Whoever wants to win the title must be ready for every match’

He continued: “In the Pyramids group, you have the defending champions with Renaissance de Berkane, while the third group features Espérance Sportive de Tunis, a historic club with a rich African legacy. All the groups will be fiercely competitive this season.”

Regarding Al Ahly’s group, he specified: “In my opinion, it’s the toughest, as every match is intense and draws huge crowds. As for our clash with MC Alger, the draw promises an electric atmosphere.”

He concluded: “We, the Sundowns, reached the final last season. We respect all our opponents, but we fear no one. Whoever wants to win the Champions League must be ready for every single match.”

Finally, he highlighted the importance of organisation: “CAF has set November 5 as the deadline for all teams to submit their schedules and home stadiums.”

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