South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of qualification for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals following a comeback 2-1 victory at Maniema Union in Kinshasa on Saturday. Peter Shalulile scored his first goals in over two months for Sundowns as the Namibian cancelled out Jephté Kitambala's opener for hosts Maniema Union with a late equalizer before producing the match winner in second half stoppage time, putting Masandawana in good position to win Group B on the final day.
Maniema Union needed to avoid conceding an early goal and the Congolese hosts managed to hold off a series of Sundowns attacks in the first half. After Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena squandered open shot opportunities, a sudden defensive breakdown left Sundowns behind close to halftime. Maniema striker Kitambala burst past a defender on the left wing and drove all the way to goal before poking a low shot past Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams to put the hosts ahead.
After halftime Sundowns maintained their controlled pressure without resorting to desperate measures. Mokoena had an excellent chance from a clever set piece in the 69th minute but got his shot all wrong from twelve yards out. Lucas Ribeiro had another great chance but his 82nd minute deflected effort went just wide.
However, patience and determination were rewarded for the visitors close to stoppage time when a short corner led to Mokoena's excellent cross for Shalulile who made no mistake with only goalkeeper Brunel Efonge to beat.
After Ronwen Williams made a massive save to keep the match level, Allende's brilliant pass set up Shalulile for the winner to complete a remarkable comeback. Sundowns are now in excellent position to qualify with their final match coming at home against Morocco's AS FAR.
Highlights
Group B Table
GP | Points | |
AS FAR | 4 | 8 |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 5 | 8 |
Raja CA | 4 | 4 |
Maniema Union | 5 | 3 |
Comments