JOHANNESBURG (Interstat) — South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will look to solidify their position atop their CAF Champions League group when they visit FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

The match, set for Feb. 8, 2026, is a rematch of November’s meeting in Pretoria, which Sundowns won 3-1. That result gives the visiting Brazilians a psychological edge and three crucial points in the group stage.

Sundowns (1-1-1, 4 points) enter following a disappointing 2-1 away loss to Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman on Jan. 30. That defeat snapped a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Their form has been mixed, with a heavy 5-2 domestic loss to Orlando Pirates in August a notable blemish, but they have shown attacking prowess in wins over Remo Stars and Richards Bay.

Saint-Eloi Lupopo (1-1-1, 4 points) is level on points but trails on head-to-head record. They are seeking a response after a 2-0 road loss to Algeria’s MC Alger last Sunday. Their home form has been stronger, including a 1-0 victory over that same MC Alger side in January and a draw with Al Hilal.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Sundowns are projected to win 2-0. The model likely factors in Sundowns’ superior goal difference and the potency of their attack, even amid recent inconsistent results.

The stakes are high for both sides in the tightly contested group. A win for Sundowns would put significant pressure on their rivals ahead of the return leg against MC Alger on Feb. 14. For Lupopo, securing a positive result at home is vital before a difficult trip to face Al Hilal Omdurman on the same date.

Sundowns will be without key midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who is serving a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation. Lupopo reports a full squad available.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi.