Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw against Sudan side Al Hilal in a CAF Champions League encounter.

From the beginning of the match both sides threw everything they had into the game. Masandawana looked to put pressure on the opposition with their possession game, Teboho Mokoena took the first strike for The Brazilians from far and saw his ball bounce on the side of the 18 area going out for goal kick.

The Brazilians kicked off the second half with a quick start coming the closest to scoring, Cassius Mailula laid a cross to Marcelo Allende who struck at the ball at the same time from close range but Abo denied him the opportunity at goal. Hilal began pressing higher up the pitch and eventually won the ball, Lilepo got dispossessed in the box as he was about to go for goal and Masandawana regained possession.

With pressure building up in Hilal’s box, Mudau and Mailula were the next players to be fouled a few meters away from the box. Modiba stepped up to take the chance, his shot went directly towards the keeper who pushed the ball out but Mudau followed up with a quick reaction and struck into the net from close range to break the deadlock.

The Brazilians didn’t hold on to their lead for long, one moment of carelessness at the back as the player closed down Williams quickly trying to play out from the back and the home team equalized through Mohamed Yagoub.

With five minutes left in the encounter, Downs made changes and brought Sphelele Mkhulise for Maema, Sipho Mbule for Mokoena and Mosa Lebusa for Allende. The hosts looked like scoring a second when El Tayeb was challenged in the box a minute before the 90 minutes mark, Athar took up the opportunity but Williams was well in his mark to deny him the goal and made the save.

The final minutes of extra time were open with both sides looking for a winner, but neither team could create a real scoring chance and Masandawana remained top of Group B with 11 points.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com