Sundowns’ Unbeaten Run Ends as Raja Casablanca Triumphs in CAF Champions League

In a thrilling CAF Champions League Group B match at Stade Larbi Zaouli on Saturday night, Mamelodi Sundowns lost 1-0 to Raja Casablanca, their first loss under coach Miguel Cardoso.

The match was intense, featuring three red cards—two for Sundowns and one for Raja. Benaissa Benamar of Raja scored the lone goal in stoppage time of the first half after taking advantage of a defensive breakdown. Benamar tapped home from close range after Youssef Belammari's short corner caught the Sundowns defense off surprise.

In the 39th minute, Bathusi Aubaas was sent off with a straight red card for a dangerous challenge, reducing Sundowns to 10 men. Despite being a man down, the South African champions relied on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who made several key saves to keep them in the game.

Raja’s Marouane Zila was also sent off in the 80th minute, briefly leveling the numbers. However, Sundowns’ hopes of a comeback faded when Khuliso Mudau was dismissed in the final minutes for an off-the-ball incident.

With five points after the defeat, Sundowns is now three points behind leaders AS FAR Rabat in second place in Group B. With four points, Raja's win puts them in third place, while Maniema Union is still in last place with three. In order to guarantee a quarterfinal berth in their remaining games, Sundowns must regroup.