Cairo giants Al Ahly were held to a 2-2 draw by Mamelodi Sundowns in their second group game of the CAF Champions League this season.
Al Ahly had suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sudan’s Al Hilal in their opening game of the tournament’s group stages last Saturday.
They picked up momentum during the week after earning a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Aswan.
However, they were unable to secure their first win in the CAF Champions League when they hosted record South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite their effort, it was Mamelodi Sundowns who grabbed the lead after 34 minutes with Peter Shalulile tapping home at the far post.
Al Ahly intensified their pressure after conceding and were rewarded in the 51st minute when they earned a penalty for a foul inside the box on Percy Tau.
Right-back Mohamed Hany stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort parried away by Ronwen Williams to keep the lead in Sundowns’ favour.
Eight minutes later, Ali Maaloul’s corner delivery was met with a sublime flick at the near post from Mohamed Abdelmonem to bring back the score on level terms.
Mohamed El-Shennawy was called into action on multiple occasions and made stunning saves to keep his side in the game.
In the 74th minute, Al Ahly took the lead for the first time through Hussein El-Shahat’s powerful strike near the edge of the box.
Sundowns’ resilience paid dividends as Thapelo Morena pounced on a loose ball before firing home a late equaliser to secure a vital away point.
CAF Champions League
Simba lose to Al Ahly at home in first leg Quarter-final
CAF Champions League
CAF Announce dates CAF CL and CC Finals
