Peter Shalulile rescued Mamelodi Sundowns with a crucial goal in their 2-1 victory over AS Maniema Union in a CAF Champions League group stage match at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Saturday.
Shalulile rose from the bench to ruin things for the DRC side when he replaced Thapelo Morena in the 79th minute of the encounter.
The home side broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a goal from Jephte Kitambala. However, Kitambala’s goal wasn’t enough to earn the DRC side maximum points as Sundowns found an equaliser in the 82nd minute courtesy of Peter Shalulile.
When we thought the game would end with a 1-1 scoreline, Shalulile forced Exaucia Moanda to commit an own goal in the stoppage time of the match.
Below are some of the talking points from this encounter.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ 10TH AWAY GAME AGAINST DRC OPPOSITION
This marked Bafana Ba Style’s 10th away game against DRC rivals. Sundowns succeeded in winning just three, drawing two, and losing five along the way.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ PLAYERS RULED OUT OF TODAY’S MATCH
Sundowns came into today’s game without five of their key players, who are currently nursing their injuries at home. The five are Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Mabena, Rivaldo Coetzee, Mothobi Mvala, and Aubrey Modiba.
In addition, Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas were omitted from this afternoon’s match after being issued red cards in their previous game against Raja Casablanca last week.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS BOOST THEIR CHANCES TO ADVANCE TO QUARTER-FINALS
This was a crucial showpiece for the Chloorkop-based outfit, who cemented their second position in their group with eight points. They came in this contest needing a victory to increase their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.
Coach Miguel Cardoso highlighted the intense rivalry in their group, suggesting that the outcome of the group could depend on the last matchday, which is a likely scenario.
AS MANIEMA UNION’S CHANCE TO PROGRESS TO THE GROUP STAGE PHASE REACHES A DEAD-END
With a defeat against Sundowns, Maniema saw their chance to progress to the next round of the tournament reach a dead end. The Congolese side have collected only three points after five matches, which leaves them at the bottom of the Group B table.
Before the match, there were news about potential incentives for the Maniema players, should they win against the South African champions.
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