Mamelodi Sundowns Advance Directly to Second Preliminary Round of CAF Champions League
Reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been granted a bye in the opening preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, allowing them to begin their title defence in the second preliminary round. The advantage reflects the club’s strong standing in African football following their continental triumph and high CAF ranking.
As a result, the South African giants will avoid the first qualifying stage, while other clubs will battle for a place in the next round. Sundowns will learn their second preliminary-round opponents when the official CAF interclub competition draw takes place at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on 6 August 2026.
The bye gives Masandawana additional preparation time as they aim to retain the CAF Champions League title and continue their dominance on the continental stage.
