Talking points as Sundowns and Pyramids share the spoils

Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Pyramids in a CAF Champions League group stage clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Below are some of the talking points from the encounter.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ 40TH CONTINENTAL GAME AT HOME 

Sundowns played their 40th home game in the continental competitions since July 2017.

To add to that, Rulani Mokwena‘s boys have only lost one of the previous 39 games, having won 29, drawn nine, and lost one. 

Today’s draw was Bafana Ba Style’s 10th draw from the 40 games they played at home.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS RULED OUT

The Brazilians came into this game with 10 players unavailable due to injuries. 

The players are Brian Onyango [knee injury], Mothobi Mvala [adductor injury], Rushine De Reuck [adductor injury], Aubrey Modiba [knee injury], Rivaldo Coetzee [quad injury], Neo Maema [hamstring injury], Thando Buthelezi [hamstring injury], Siyanda Nyanga [adductor injury], Junior Mendieta [hamstring injury], and Bathusi Aubaas [adductor injury].

FANS TURN OUT

Only a few fans came to attend the game, but Loftus Versfeld Stadium looked empty, as many seats were not occupied. 

It is not a surprise that not many football fanatics came out in numbers. Poor attendance at matches in South Africa is a major concern in the local game. It is sad that gone are the days when local matches were played in front of full houses.

PYRAMIDS DOWN TO 10-MAN

The Egyptian side found themselves playing with 10 men after Osama Galal received a red card in the 89th minute, as he was shown two yellow cards in the game. However, Pyramids played out a draw with Sundowns at the end.

CURRENT LOG STANDINGS

As a result, Sundowns remain top of Group A with four points from three outings. Masandawana will travel to Egypt on the 19th of December 2023 to face Pyramids. The game will start at 18:00 [SA time].

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