Substitute Thapelo Morena scored a close range striker in the late second half to salvage a 2-2 draw for Mamelodi Sundowns against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League Group B showdown on Saturday, February 26.
The night started in the worst possible way for the hosts, with Peter Shalulile opening the score in the 34th minute at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo before Mohammed Abdelmonem equalized just before the hour mark.
Al Ahly were rewarded for their creativity in the 74th minute. Midfielder Hussein El Shahat outclassed his marker and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams following a long pass from his goalkeeper Mohammed El-Shenawy.
A late dramatic equalizer from substitute Thapelo Morena ensured a point for both teams.
Billed as a heavyweight battle between two giants of African football, this was a spicy, exciting, end-to-end 90 minutes which probably deserved more goals for two teams who have both previously lifted the CAF Champions League trophy.
With these results, the ‘Brazilians’ top the group with one point from three games ahead of second place Al-Hilal, while Al Ahly remain in the third place with a game in hand.
Sundowns Head Coach, Rulani Mokwena said his team was intending on getting all three points, however, he’s satisfied with the results as the game delivered an ‘important point’.
“Congratulations to both of the teams for putting on a very good performance, I think the crowd enjoyed it with four goals. Two very good sides on the pitch and congratulations to my players because it’s a very difficult game against a very good side and a team that made us work very, very hard for that point,” he said.
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