Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango and current skipper Khalid Aucho have learned their group stage fates for the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.
Their respective clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Young Africans (Yanga) (Tanzania), have been placed in competitive groups as they prepare to embark on the prestigious continental tournament.
Denis Onyango’s Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn into Group B, where they will face Raja Casablanca (Morocco), FAR Rabat (Morocco), and Maniema (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Sundowns come into the group stages with a strong pedigree, having previously won the CAF Champions League in 2016, with Onyango playing a pivotal role in that success.
The South African champions will be looking to repeat that feat, as they aim to add a second continental title to their trophy cabinet.
They secured their spot in the group stages by defeating Mbabane Swallows of Eswatini in the second round of the preliminaries.
On the other hand, Khalid Aucho’s Yanga have been placed in a tough Group A, which includes TP Mazembe (DRC), MC Algers (Algeria), and Al-Hilal Omdurman (Sudan).
Yanga’s qualification came after overcoming Ethiopia Nigd Bank in the second round.
The Tanzanian side, which has never won the CAF Champions League, will be looking to make history this year.
Aucho, as one of the club’s experienced players, will be expected to lead by example as they take on some of the giants of African football, including the five-time champions TP Mazembe.
The group stage matches are set to begin on November 26, with both Sundowns and Yanga starting their campaigns at home.
Mamelodi Sundowns will host Maniema in South Africa for their opening fixture, where they will hope to start strong on home turf.
Young Africans (Yanga) will welcome Al-Hilal Omdurman to Tanzania in what promises to be an exciting clash between two of East Africa’s biggest teams.
For Denis Onyango, the CAF Champions League is familiar ground.
The veteran goalkeeper was instrumental in Sundowns’ triumph in 2016, the club’s first and only CAF Champions League title to date.
As one of the most experienced players in African football, Onyango’s presence will be key as the South African giants aim to go all the way once again.
Meanwhile, Khalid Aucho is leading Yanga with ambition, hoping to guide them through a challenging group.
Though Yanga has never won the CAF Champions League, Aucho’s leadership and experience could be pivotal as the Tanzanian champions aim for a breakthrough on the continental stage.
For both Onyango and Aucho, the group stages of the CAF Champions League represent an opportunity to cement their legacies.
Onyango has already tasted continental success, but a second title would only enhance his legendary status.
For Aucho, this competition offers the chance to lead his team to uncharted territory and possibly secure Yanga’s first-ever CAF Champions League crown.
As the countdown to the group stages begins, all eyes will be on these two Ugandan stars and their respective clubs.
Can Onyango’s Sundowns repeat their 2016 success? Will Aucho’s Yanga rise to the challenge in their tough group?
