Mamelodi Sundowns remain without a win in the CAF Champions League group stages after playing to a 1-1 draw away to AS FAR Rabat on Saturday night.
CAF Champions League
Result: AS FAR Rabat 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 07 December 2024
Venue: Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi
Sundowns made three changes to the side that thrashed Sekhukhune United, as Teboho Mokoena, Peter Shalulile and Mothobi Mvala were recalled.
In a high intensity game from the off, chances were few and far between but Anas Bach almost broke the deadlock for AS FAR on 18 minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the box that sailed slightly over the top corner.
Masandawana struggled to advance in the last third and they had an injury blow a moment later after Mothobi Mvala sustained an injury after landing awkwardly and he was replaced by Mosa Lebusa.
The visitors were fortunate not to concede a penalty shortly before the half-hour mark after Youssef El Fahli went down under a challenge from Aubrey Modiba in the box but the referee was not persuaded.
The Brazilians circulated the ball from the back but they could not get into dangerous areas, with the likes of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners and Shalulile unable to get into the game as the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Masandawana were under immense attack from the interval as ten minutes later Anas Bach came close to breaking the deadlock with a low diagonal shot that was parried by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at full stretch.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges were playing on counter-attacks and Rayners eventually gave them the lead with a volley that flew just under the crossbar and into the back of the net after the hosts made a mistake on a transition.
Sundowns made a double tactical change with 17 minutes to go, as Thapelo Morena replaced Bathusi Aubaas and Lebohang Maboe came on for Costa.
The Brazilians were punished a moment later after Mohamed Hrimat made it 1-1 for Hubert Velud's men with a tap-in from a cross by Youssef El Fahli.
The Tshwane giants showed more determination to get the winner in the dying minutes and Lebusa came close to restoring their lead with a header that sailed slightly over the crossbar.
Mngqithi's men were down to ten men in stoppages after Modiba got a second booking and was sent off.
The Militarians topped Group B With four points while Sundowns remained second with two points, equal on points with third Maniema Union.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Khoza, Mvala, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Allende, Aubaas, Rayners, Shalulile, Riberio
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Sales, Maema, Mashego, Kodisang, Mkhulise, Morena, Maboe
