Mamelodi Sundowns played to a 1-1 draw in their CAF Champions League Group B match against AS FAR at Stade El Abdi in EL Jadida, Morocco on Saturday night.
Iqraam Rayners scored for the visitors, while Mohamed Rabie Hrimat netted for the home side in Sundowns’ second assignment in the group stages.
Aiming for a victory after a draw last week against Maniema Union at home, the Tshwane giants were unable to secure maximum points in this encounter.
Sundowns made three changes from the side that beat Sekhukhune United 3-0 in a Betway Premiership match seven days ago. Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana was left out due to an injury. Sphelele Mkhulise and Arthur Sale were the other players dropped from the team.
SOME KEY PLAYERS STILL MISSING FOR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Masandawana still have a long list of injuries in their team. They are still missing players such as Themba Zwane, Tashreeq Matthews, Siyabonga Mabena, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thembinkosi Lorch, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Thapelo Maseko.
The home side – AS FAR had the 15,000 full-capacity crowd behind them at the Stade El Abdi.
Both clubs kept it tight in the opening few minutes with no clear-cut chances. The visitors were dealt a huge blow in the 22nd minute when Mothobi Mvala was forced out due to a knee injury. He was replaced by Mosa Lebusa. The latter was booked merely 10 minutes later for foul play.
AS FAR and Sundowns couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half and headed to the break at 0-0.
SUNDOWNS HELD TO A DRAW DESPITE TAKING A LEAD AGAINST AS FAR
It was an entertaining start to the second half for both teams, showing intentions to attack. Ronwen Williams was forced to make a brilliant save 10 minutes into the second half to deny the hosts a lead.
Masandawana grabbed a chance of their own as on-form striker Iqraam Rayners pounced on a throw pass from Ronwen Williams to open the score for the visitors. But the lead did not last long as the host found one back through captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat.
Sundowns ended the match with 10-man after Aubrey Modiba was given a red card during the referee’s optional time.
The result leaves Sundowns with two points from their opening two games in the Champions League. They are in second position behind leaders AS FAR.
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