Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 2 – 1 disappointing CAF Champions League defeat on Saturday by Pedro de Luanda.

Masandawana kicked off their top 8 competition in the Champions League against Pedro de Luanda on Saturday at The Estádio 11 de Novembro Stadium. Downs were up against Pedro, who established a commanding half-time lead thanks to stunning goals by Jaredi Lopes and Adriano Yano.

The Brazilians improved after the break and scored almost immediately after the restart through Khuliso Mudau and Gaston Sirino who were pushing way into the opponent’s box. The Tshwane giants took the lead in this mouthwatering encounter in Luanda, the visitors were afforded a free kick in the early minutes of the opening half, Lyle Lakay stepped up and fired a great strike past Wellington Gomes’ under arms.

For over twenty minutes of play after Masandawana’s lead, Pedro held on during a frantic period of chasing the game from behind. The hosts showed determination to come back into the game with their build up as they approached Bafana Ba Style’s attacking third, Tiago Leal it in between the central defenders to score a brilliant equalizer for the home team.

The Brazilians played some excellent football as they continued to threaten Pedro with counter attacks, this time Thapelo Morena’s shot at goal took a deflection on the defense followed by Gaston Sirino’s efforts past the mouth of goal with no one to finish off the low cross. Masandawana tried their luck again through Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane’s shot at goal.

Pedro took the chance to double their lead towards the end of the first half, Yano and his captain, Leal were fearless in challenging the attack of Masandawana which showed to be resilient as they cleared out all attempts to go ahead. It was unfortunate for The Brazilians to concede just before the break, Jaredi’s cross into the box perfectly landed on Yano, who wasted no time in sending his team into the lead for the first time in the clash.

Masandawana came out fighting in the second half, Mudau and Sirino tried their luck twice in quick succession, forcing their way in around the opponent’s box. Still searching for an equaliser, Sirino found himself in a scramble for the ball before he was brought down in what the referee awarded a freekick to Downs. Lakay stepped up once again to test the goalie, his shot went into the hands of Gomes this time.

The Brazilians went for a change after the hour mark with Neo Maema and Lebohang Maboe replacing Morena, and Sirino. Pavol Safranko and Mothobi Mvala were also introduced into the game.

Pedro de Luanda had the chance to put in some dangerous deliveries but failed to make them count and were punished by the hosts on the stroke of full time. Maema shortly overturned the events of the afternoon, the 26-year-old full back brilliantly controlled the ball before taking a fine shot at goal, an equalizer for Masandawana at the dying moments of the game was denied by the referee. After a Video Assistant Review (VAR) analysis, the reference disallowed The Brazilians’ hopes of a comeback.

Saturday’s result leaves Masandawana with a lot of work to do in the second leg.

Soka25east.com