Mamelodi Sundowns were knocked out of the CAF Champions League following a 1-1 draw with defending Champions Al Ahly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, losing the tie 3-1 on aggregate.

Following Masandawana’s defeat in Egypt a week ago, the team kicked-off knowing that victory over their opponents was the only result that would see them progress to the next round. The technical team made two changes to the side that started in Cairo, with Themba Zwane and Andile Jali making their way into the line-up.

Yasser Ibrahim pinged the Red Devils into the lead in the tenth minute of the clash when he headed home from a corner kick. The goal left Abafana BaStyle with a mountain to climb as they continued to resist pressure from their opponents in their own half.

After trailing by one goal and constantly poking holes in the Egyptian defence, Aubrey Modiba became a busy man on the left side of the pitch taking on players and putting in dangerous crosses. Eventually, the full-back forced the Egyptian Goalkeeper El Shenawy to make a save with a cross-come-shot from the flank.

On the attack again, Peter Shalulile created a brilliant chance when he controlled Modiba’s pass in the box before his shot was blocked out for a corner. It was from the resulting corner that Mosa Lebusa, who joined in the promising attack, levelled matters with a brilliant header into the back of the net following a Modiba’s cross from the other side of the pitch.

Both teams went into the half time break with a goal each and The Brazialians knew that they would need to score more than once in the second half to ensure victory.

The second half of the match got underway with Downs looking enthusiastic to turn pressure into goals with a double substitution, with Mauricio Affonso and Khuliso Mudau replacing Gaston Sirino and Thapelo Morena. Downs thought they had found their way into the lead when Peter Shalulile had the ball in the back of the net however he was adjudged to have handled in the build up.

With the game entering its closing stages, Gift Motupa, Kermit Erasmus and Lyle Lakay made their way on the field to build the attacking momentum. Unfortunately, luck was not on the team’s side on this day as Motupa’s shot on target was pushed aside by El Shanawy, whom minutes later showed his experience again denying Erasmus a chance to score.

The final round of the CAF Champions League quarter finals was concluded with a 1-1 draw, knocking out Mamelodi Sundowns on aggregate.

Al Ahly will now meet Esperance of Tunisia who knocked out CR Belouizdad 3-2 on penalties following a 2-2 Aggregate scoreline.

Soka25east.com