From Bennett Masinga to Aubrey Modiba: Who scored Mamelodi Sundowns’ biggest Champions League goals?

Mamelodi Sundowns underlined their status as South Africa’s most prolific force in African club football when Aubrey Modiba fired home a decisive free-kick in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. 

The strike not only secured a narrow 1-0 advantage ahead of the return leg, but also marked the club’s 301st goal in the competition, extending a record unmatched domestically.

The Brazilians’ tally, amassed over 182 matches since their debut in 1994, stands well clear of their nearest South African challengers, Orlando Pirates, who trail significantly. 

Averaging 1.65 goals per game, Sundowns’ sustained attacking output reflects both longevity and consistency on the continental stage, with their evolution mirrored through landmark goals across three decades.

A journey that began with Masinga

Sundowns’ first step into African competition came in the 1994 CAF Champions Cup against Lesotho’s Arsenal, where Bennett Masinga etched his name into history. 

His solitary goal in a 1-0 away victory delivered the club’s first-ever strike in continental football, laying the foundation for what would become a formidable legacy.

Tau ushers in the century milestone

It took over two decades for Sundowns to reach their 100-goal mark, a reflection of intermittent participation in earlier years. The milestone arrived in 2016 during their title-winning campaign, even if it came in defeat against Enyimba. 

Percy Tau scored the goal that brought up the century, a moment that coincided with the club’s rise into a consistent continental contender.

Zwane drives the double century surge

Sundowns’ growing dominance was evident as they needed just five more years to reach 200 goals. Themba Zwane delivered the landmark strike in a 2-2 draw against Maniema Union during the 2021-22 campaign, highlighting a period where regular deep runs in the tournament became the norm.

Leon and Modiba carry the modern charge

The club’s relentless scoring pace continued into the current era, with Brayan León netting the 300th goal earlier this season against Esperance to seal a place in the final. 

Now, Modiba’s 301st has placed Sundowns on the brink of continental glory once again.