“Al Ahly Will End Sundowns’ Dream” – Junior Khanye Drops Bold CAF Champions League Prediction

As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for their high-stakes CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Al Ahly in Cairo, former Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has made a bold prediction — and it’s not one Masandawana fans will want to hear.

Khanye is convinced that the South African giants’ continental dream will come to an end on April 25 when they face the Egyptian powerhouse at the intimidating Cairo International Stadium. This follows a tense goalless draw in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, which left the tie wide open.

“I have said it before, they [Sundowns] are not going to win the Champions League,” Khanye told iDiski Times. “This is the end of the road. They are going away, and the team they are playing against is a different team. The Ahly that played in the group stage and this one are two different teams.”

Khanye singled out Al Ahly’s attacking threats, particularly Emam Abdelghany and Nejc Gradisar, as key dangers to Sundowns’ hopes.

“Technically, they are something else. You look at number 11 [Gradisar]; he has something special, but can’t compare to number 22 [Abdelghany] because 22 is something else. In front of his home crowd, I’m sure the coach will give him freedom to play — and he’s going to want him to score. They are going to beat Sundowns away,” he concluded.

The Tshwane giants, who lifted their only CAF Champions League title in 2016, have been desperate to add a second star to their badge. Despite dominating the DStv Premiership for several seasons, continental success has remained elusive.

Following their recent elimination from the Nedbank Cup, Sundowns will be under immense pressure to stay alive in the Champions League. The team’s ambitions to prove they are more than just local giants now hinge on delivering against the continent’s most successful club.

Sundowns will be hosted by Al Ahly on April 25 in a decisive fixture that will determine who advances to the final. With their schedule now cleared of domestic cup obligations, the Brazilians can channel all their focus into this crucial clash and the PSL campaign.

Should they progress, it would be a huge statement to the rest of Africa. If not, they’ll be left reflecting once again on what could have been — and Khanye’s warning may ring true.

After the Champions League, Sundowns return to league action against Richards Bay on April 30.