Photo Credit: Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Group B remains fiercely contested at the CAF Champions League after two draws on Saturday with the later match in Morocco featuring a 1-1 draw between Mamelodi Sundowns and hosts AS FAR. Both goals came in the second half with AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat leveling after Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring for Sundowns. AS FAR lead the group with four points from two matches, two points ahead of Sundowns and AS Maniema Union.
The visitors from South Africa did well to maintain possession for long periods of the first half but did little to challenge AS FAR backup goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid. In the opening 45 minutes there were two notable moments of controversy, the first being a clear foul committed in the penalty area by Sundowns left back Aubrey Modiba in the 27th minute. The other arrived in stoppage time when AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after striking Khuliso Mudau in the face.
Video: AS FAR are denied a penalty on what appeared to be a clear foul by Aubrey Modiba
A dominant spell for AS FAR at the beginning of the second half set the scene for a stunning opener from Sundowns. A long ball from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams bounced beyond the AS FAR defense for Rayners to send a beautiful strike over the head of Benabid and into the goal.
AS FAR were not deterred and it took less than ten minutes for the hosts to equalize through Hrimat. Youssef El Fahli found room on the right flank and his cross was accurate to find the run of the captain who made no mistake with his finish. The intensity continued but neither team could find the winner with Rayners coming close for Sundowns in the 90th minute with a shot over the bar.
Highlights
66': Long ball finds Iqraam Rayners to fire Sundowns ahead
74': AS FAR captain Mohamed Hrimat finishes a cross from Youssef El Fahli to level the match
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