Sundowns qualify for Champions League quarterfinals after draw with AS FAR

Mamelodi Sundowns have qualified for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after their 1-1 draw with AS FAR Rabat at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday night.

In the first leg, the two teams also settled for a 1-1 draw in Morocco in December last year, where Sundowns finished the game one man down after Aubrey Modiba received a red card.

Below are the talking points from this entertaining showpiece.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS UNBEATEN AT HOME AGAINST MOROCCAN TEAMS

Bafana Ba Style remain unbeaten on their home ground against Moroccan opponents. Sundowns have faced Moroccan teams in nine matches, securing six wins and three draws.

Additionally, they [Sundowns] have only faced teams from Egypt more times [12] at home without losing.

PETER SHALULILE PLAYS KEY ROLE AS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS QUALIFIES FOR CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS

Shalulile broke the deadlock as early as 12 minutes into the contest to give the hosts a lead. This was Shalulile’s second goal in the Champions League tournament, having scored last week against AS Maniema.

However, Amine Zouhzouh pulled one back for AS FAR to secure a point away from home.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DISCIPLINED AT THE BACK BUT PUNISHED AT THE END

Sundowns’ defence remained disciplined most of the time of the game as Masandawana defenders kept AS FAR attackers in their pockets.

This saw the visitors having it difficult to bounce back into the game.

Sadly, Sundowns’ defence were punished in the 83rd minute of the game, as the Moroccan giants redeemed themselves with a touch of magic to stir things up.

MAMEMOLDI SUNDOWNS FINISH SECOND IN GROUP B

The Chloorkop-based outfit finished second in Group B with nine points from six games after their draw against ASFAR.

Meanwhile, AS FAR secured the top spot with 10 points after six matches.

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