The CAF Champions League heats up on 23 January 2026 as Mamelodi Sundowns host Al-Hilal Omdurman at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria. Both teams enter this Group C encounter tied on four points apiece, shaping this fixture as an early decider in their pursuit of knockout-stage qualification. Mamelodi Sundowns, guided by Miguel Cardoso, have historically excelled at home in continental competition, while Florent Ibenge’s Al-Hilal Omdurman are rapidly building momentum with an impressive domestic run. Will the South African hosts assert their pedigree, or can the Sudanese visitors deliver a statement result on the road?
Two key players to keep an eye on are Arthur Sales for Sundowns, whose recent attacking form makes him a persistent threat, and Al-Hilal’s attacking weapon Mohamed Abdelrahman, who has been pivotal in their unbeaten run this year.
Hot stat: Al-Hilal Omdurman have not lost a single game in their last six across all competitions, boasting a 100% win record in 2026 so far.
| 🏆 Tournament: | CAF Champions League 2025/26 (Group C) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Tshwane/Pretoria |
| 🗓️ Date: | 23.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 18:00 CEST |
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Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al-Hilal Omdurman prediction
The best value prediction here is a Mamelodi Sundowns win. With home advantage and a robust recent record, especially at Loftus Versfeld, Cardoso’s men have the tactical discipline and attacking variety to edge this contest. Sundowns’ ability to control possession and create high-quality chances, evidenced by their shot count and passing stats, positions them as favourites. Al-Hilal, while on a remarkable winning run, have yet to be tested by a club of Sundowns’ calibre away from home this season.
Style-of-play analysis reveals Sundowns favour a measured, possession-oriented approach (636 passes per recent match, 90 percent pass accuracy). They can, however, occasionally be bogged down by overcautious build-up, and their 14 fouls per game hint at a willingness to disrupt play and break up opposition attacks when needed. Conversely, Al-Hilal’s recent matches show efficient defending and direct attacking transitions, albeit with limited discipline in keeping shape—something Sundowns’ technical midfield can exploit. Both teams average low yellow card counts, suggesting a relatively open encounter with less risk of disrupted rhythm.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Mamelodi Sundowns -1 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Mamelodi Sundowns: The Sundowns enter this clash on the back of a controlled 2-0 home win over Orbit College. Their blend of possession dominance and midfield solidity was on full display, limiting the visitors to few chances while creating a steady flow of opportunities themselves. Sundowns’ only recent blemishes are hard-fought draws—further evidence of defensive resilience but also a signal of occasional attacking profligacy. Consistent deployment of the 4-2-3-1 formation ensures stability, with Arthur Sales proving he can deliver when it matters most.
Al-Hilal Omdurman: Al-Hilal have built momentum with emphatic results, highlighted by a recent 4-0 demolition of Rayon Sports FC. Their ability to rack up goals—14 in their last four games—demonstrates attacking depth, though these performances came against teams with lower club rankings. That suggests their high margin victories might not fully translate to tougher continental opposition. Under Ibenge, Al-Hilal’s focus has been direct and clinical finishing, with defensive organisation ensuring clean sheets in all matches so far this year.
🚨Read our full Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al-Hilal Omdurman stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Mamelodi Sundowns the favourite
- Moneyline Mamelodi Sundowns 1.38 | Al-Hilal Omdurman 9.40 (bons)
- Draw 3.75
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.05 | Under 2.5 1.75
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.20 | No 1.60
These odds underscore the home side’s clear superiority on paper. Sundowns’ strength at Loftus Versfeld and their continental pedigree justify the shorter price, while Al-Hilal’s long odds reflect their underdog status, especially away from Omdurman. The low price on “No” for both teams to score and “Under 2.5” goals both reinforce the expectation of a controlled, possibly low-scoring game, with Sundowns’ defence tipped to hold firm.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups
Mamelodi Sundowns possible starting eleven

- GK: Ronwen Williams
- DF: Grant Kekana, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Fawaaz Basadien, Malibongwe Prince Khoza
- MF: Sphelele Mkhulise, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, kutlwano letlhaku, Themba Zwane
- FW: Arthur Sales
This projected 4-2-3-1 starting eleven highlights the balanced core that Sundowns depend on for possession retention and ball progression. Ronwen Williams’ leadership at the back is crucial, while Arthur Sales, expected to spearhead the line, is the attacking player to watch after netting recently. The midfield’s technical prowess ensures that Sundowns remain in control for prolonged spells, and the back four’s cohesiveness bodes well against Al-Hilal’s direct attacks.
Al-Hilal Omdurman possible starting eleven

- GK: Ali Abu Eshrein
- DF: Waleed Bakhet Hamid, Atahir El Tahir, Mohamed Saeed, Yassin Hamid
- MF: Fadl Elman, Faris Abdalla, Abuaagla Abdalla
- FW: Mohamed Abdelrahman, Vinny Bongonga, Eid Mugadam
Al-Hilal are also likely to stick with the familiar 4-2-3-1, relying on an experienced defensive line and the attacking thrust of Mohamed Abdelrahman. The Sudanese side’s approach will hinge on compactness in midfield and quick breaks, aiming to spring the offside trap and exploit any Sundowns lapses.
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Al-Hilal Omdurman. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
My chief prediction for this Group C contest is a home win for Mamelodi Sundowns. Their superior home form, tactical balance, and creative midfielders should ensure they have the upper hand against an Al-Hilal team that, while in stunning form domestically, is yet to fully convince on the continental stage away from Sudan. The likely scenario sees Sundowns dominating possession and nullifying Al-Hilal’s direct attacking approach, leading to a professional and efficient victory. If you’re seeking value, the -1 Asian Handicap for the hosts stands out, while under 2.5 goals is another strong play given both teams’ defensive approaches in recent matches.

