Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw against Congolese side AS Maniema in their opening CAF Champions League Group B match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Tshwane giants made six changes from the side that suffered a shock 2-1 to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final on Saturday in the Free State province.
The players dropped for the match included Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau, Peter Shalulile and Aubrey Modiba. Kobamelo Kodisang, Arthur Sales, Erwin Saavedra and Devine Lunga were some of the players preferred.
2016 CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS HELD TO A DRAW AT HOME
They faced a side that’s currently sitting top of Group B in the DRC Ligue 1 after seven matches. Maniema are also 20 matches unbeaten. The last time they lost an official game was in March 2024 against TP Mazembe in an away match.
Masandawana dominated the first0half but they found it difficult to create any clear-cut chances. Their efforts were restricted to shots from a distance. But they did go close with a powerful free-kick from Teboho Mokoena. But the Maniema goalkeeper produced a good save to deny the Bafana Bafana midfielder. There was nothing much to write home about in the first-half as they went to the break with the score at 0-0.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FAIL TO CONVERT THEIR CHANCES IN THE OPENING GROUP B MATCH
Sundowns proved to be a better side in the second-half, but the DR Congo side remained solid. The visitors also had a few moments where they could have snatched a winner, but their efforts were not enough.
Lucas Ribeiro thought he had found the winner for the home side on the stroke of full-time, but his shot went over the bar.
Meanwhile, Sundowns were without several players due to injuries. This includes Keagan Johannes, Lesiba Nku, Themba Zwane, Tashreeq Matthews, Siyabonga Mabena, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thembinkosi Lorch, Iqraam Rayners and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
Sundowns will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership, where they will take on Sekhukhune United on Saturday.
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