Mamelodi Sundowns won 2-1 on the night, but were knocked out of the 2016 CAF Champions League (2-2 on aggregate), at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday evening.

Les Dauphins Noirs subsequently advance to the group stages of the competition. Sundowns,though, still have a route into Africa as they are relegated to the CAF Confederations Cup play-off round.

Kule Mbombo scored the opening goal of the game for the 2014 runners-up. The Brazilians hit back through Thabo Nthethe and Tebogo Langerman, but failed to get the decisive third goal on the night.

Seeking an early goal: Sundowns went on the offence from the get go – this resulted in a open start with Vita happy to hit the Brazilians on the counter-attack.

Following a few half chances at either end of the pitch, Mbombo forced Wayne Sandilands into a fine save at his near post in the 28th minute. A well worked set- piece was played long to Mayimona Ikang who’s pass-cum-shot was deflected on goal by Mbombo, but Sandilands was alert to the danger.

Neslon Lukong then had to be at his best at the other end of the park. Bangaly Soumahoro lost his marker before laying it on a platter for Khama Billiat, but Lukong got down well to save at the Zimbabweans feet – the assistants flag ,though, was raised for offside.

The visitors opened the scoring on 39 minutes. Mbombo outpaced Nthethe before slipping Bernard Morrison’s cross into the back of the net via the post to send the Vita supporters into delirium.

Sundowns had an opportunity to hit back from the penalty spot four minutes later -Lukong guilty of bringing down Leonardo Castro inside the area. Nthethe duly stepped up to level matters on the cusp of half-time.

Mbombo, who scored the only goal in Kinshasa 10 days ago, missed a glorious chance to double the hosts lead three minutes into the second stanza. The burly forward burst through on goal, but failed to hit the target.

Despite their advantage, Vita were not content on sitting back and continued to push forward.

Sundowns, though, would score next – Langerman put the hosts in front in the 75th minute. The Sundowns fullback burst into the area before guiding a rasping effort past Lukong from an acute angle.

Asavela Mbekile had a chance to win it for the hosts in stoppage time, but failed to hit the target as Sundowns bowed of the competition – losing once again to Democratic Republic of Congo opposition.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Nthethe 43′ PEN Langerman 75′)

AS Vita (1) 1 (Mbombo 39′)

Mamelodi Sundowns: Sandilands; Mphahlele, Nthethe, Arendse, Langerman – Soumahoro (Mbekile 55′), Kekana, T.Zwane (Modise 45′) – Dolly, Billiat, Castro (Malajila 87′)

AS Vita: Lukong; Makwekwe, Bafola, Lomanisa, Bopunga, Wango, Mukoko (Lusadisu 82′), Idrissa Traore, Ikanga (Ngonda 71′), Kule Mbombo, Bernard Morrison

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