Sundowns, Al Hilal share spoils, throwing a lifeline to Al Ahly

Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal shared the spoils on Saturday in the CAF Champions League Group B encounter as they played out to a 1-1 draw.

The stalemate left the group wide open. Third-placed Al Ahly now have a chance of progressing to the knockouts if they manage to defeat Al Hilal in their next match.

Coach Rulani Mokwena only made one change to his starting line up. Brian Onyango replaced Grant Kekana, who got injured against Royal AM on Tuesday in the DStv Premiership.

SUNDOWNS DOMINATING POSSESSION

It started as a slow encounter. However, both teams were playing attacking football showing the intent of finding the back of the net early in the game.

The visitors dominated play in the first half, they had an average ball possession of 75 per cent, but they were struggling going forward.

Masandawana only registered a single shot on target after firing five. Teboho Mokoena, Cassius Mailula and Khuliso Mudau had opportunities to open the scoring but lacked clinical finishing. The teams headed to the break deadlocked at 0-0.

INTERESTING SECOND HALF

In the second half, both teams returned to the field better. Sundowns opened the scoring in the 67th minute through in-form right-back Khuliso Mudau.

Five minutes later, the hosts drew level as skipper Abdelrahman Yousif scored in the 72nd minute from a close-range effort.

The home team almost snatched a late winner in the dying minutes of the game. Ather El Tahir failed to capitalise as his penalty was saved by Ronwen Williams.

With one game left, Sundowns lead the way with 11 points, and Al Hilal and Al Ahly are second and third with 10 and seven points, respectively. Coton Sport are rooted at the bottom of the log with zero points from five matches.

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