The Big African Games Recap: Sundowns, Simba and Al Ahly Clinch Major Victories

Mamelodi Sundowns, Simba SC and Al Ahly were among the major talking points across African football at the weekend, with all three sides recording important victories in high-profile domestic encounters.

Sundowns claimed the MTN8 title with a 2–0 victory over Orlando Pirates, bringing Pirates’ four-year dominance in the competition to an end. Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring before Iqraam Rayners converted a penalty to seal the win for the Brazilians. The triumph also ended Sundowns’ five-year wait for the trophy and continued an impressive run in cup finals. It was their third consecutive final victory following their CAF Champions League success and their win over Al Ahli Saudi in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup, after previously suffering four straight final defeats.

In Tanzania, Simba SC claimed a 2–1 victory over bitter rivals Young Africans in a fiercely contested derby. Peter Shalulile gave Yanga the lead before former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema restored parity for Simba. Elie Mpanzu then struck in the 71st minute to complete the comeback and secure all three points for the Msimbazi Reds.

The result extended Simba’s perfect start to the league season, with seven wins from seven matches. It was also a significant result for the club, who had been waiting for a league victory over their traditional rivals.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly secured Cairo Derby bragging rights with a 2–0 win over Zamalek. Mohamed Hany scored the opening goal in the first half before Monsef Bakrar added the second in the 80th minute, giving the Red Eagles a deserved victory over the White Knights.

The weekend once again highlighted the intensity of African football’s biggest rivalries, with Sundowns celebrating cup glory in South Africa, Simba emerging victorious in Tanzania and Al Ahly taking the honours in Egypt’s most famous derby.