Legendary former Uganda Cranes captain and goalkeeper Denis Onyango continues to etch his name into African football history, as he and Mamelodi Sundowns secure yet another CAF Champions League quarterfinal berth.
This marks the ninth time Sundowns have reached the quarterfinals since Onyango joined the South African giants in 2011.
With a stellar track record in continental competitions, the club and its veteran goalkeeper are firmly establishing themselves as consistent powerhouses in African football.
A Journey Through Onyango’s Champions League Legacy
The Early Days
Onyango first tasted Champions League action in 2015 when Sundowns entered the competition.
However, that campaign ended prematurely in the first round, marking a modest beginning for both Onyango and the club in Africa’s elite tournament.
2016: The Golden Year
Everything changed in 2016, a year often referred to as the highlight of Onyango’s career.
Sundowns reached the group stages and went on to win their maiden CAF Champions League title, defeating Zamalek in the final.
Onyango’s incredible performances earned him personal accolades, including the CAF Player of the Year (Based in Africa) award.
A Decade of Quarterfinal Appearances
Since their historic 2016 triumph, Sundowns have been remarkably consistent in the CAF Champions League.
They have now reached the quarterfinal stage nine times, becoming one of the most dependable sides in the competition.
Here’s a breakdown of their quarterfinal appearances since Onyango joined:
2017: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
2018: Failed to progress beyond the group stages.
2019: Reached the semifinals.
2020: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
2021: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
2022: Eliminated in the quarterfinals.
2023: Reached the semifinals.
2024: Reached the semifinals.
2025: Advanced to the quarterfinals (current season).
Aiming for Another Title
Despite their consistent appearances in the latter stages of the competition, Sundowns have struggled to replicate their 2016 success.
They have been eliminated at the quarterfinal stage four times (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022) and have not reached the final since their maiden triumph.
However, they came close in 2023 and 2024 with back-to-back semifinal appearances.
Onyango’s leadership and experience have been crucial throughout these campaigns.
As one of the most decorated goalkeepers in African football, the veteran goalkeeper is dependable resource on and off the pitch.
Can Sundowns Go All the Way?
With the 2024/25 CAF Champions League progressing, Sundowns are once again among the favorites to lift the coveted trophy.
Onyango, now 39, remains a key figure in the squad, bringing unmatched experience, composure and competition to the team especially in the goalkeeping department.
Their road to the quarterfinals has been marked by dominant performances, and the team appears well-prepared to push beyond this stage.
With Onyango offering competition to Ronwen Williams, Sundowns have every reason to believe they can end their nine-year title drought.
Legacy of Onyango
For Denis Onyango, every match in this competition adds to an already remarkable legacy.
Having achieved greatness with the Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns, his journey in the Champions League is a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As Sundowns prepare for the quarterfinals, fans will be hoping this season brings another chapter of glory to Onyango’s storied career.
Key Facts About Onyango’s CAF Champions League Record:
Total Appearances: 9 quarterfinals since joining Sundowns.
- CAF CL Title Wins: 1 (2016).
- Semifinal Appearances: 4 (2016, 2019, 2023, 2024).
- Quarterfinal Eliminations: 4 (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022).
