Mamelodi Sundowns played to a 1-1 draw in a CAF Champions League Group C encounter against FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Sunday.
The home side scored through Enock Molia Lihozasia, while Sundowns equalised via a Jayden Adams header.
Sundowns made a wholesale change in the starting line-up, bringing some of the regular players who were rested during the 2-1 win against Gomora United in the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash on Wednesday.
They also welcomed captain and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who recently recovered from an injury.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FIGHT BACK TO SECURE A POINT IN THE DRC
Masandwana also came into the match missing players such as Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Bathusi Aubaas, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Monnapule Saleng, who were ruled out because of injuries.
The visitors posed a threat as early as the second minute through defender Khulumani Ndamane, but his header missed the target.
Both teams showed intensity early in the half, with Sundowns looking more aggressive. However, it was the home side that opened the scoring first, with Enock Molia Lihozasia tapping in from a Junior Mavungu cross. The home side went into the half-time break leading 1-0.
MASANDAWANA DROP TO THIRD IN CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP C
Masandwana made an early change in the second half with Brayan Leon coming in for Peter Shalulile. The change seems to have paid off as Masandwana began to oppose more pressure on the hosts.
They were finally rewarded with an equaliser 10 minutes into the half after Jayden Adams netted through a header from a Thapelo Morena corner kick.
Masandwana continued with their dominance, looking for a second as the home defence remained solid. Sundowns came close to getting a lead through Grant Kekana, who hit the crossbar.
A few moments later, Sundowns nearly got the lead, but Thapelo Morena’s shot was blocked by the Lupopo defence.
The result means Sundowns are now third in the group with one match remaining, while Lupopo remains at the bottom. Sundowns will now play MC Alger in their last group match at home.
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