CAFCL: Sundowns hold MC Alger to goalless draw in Algeria

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a valuable point on the road in the CAF Champions League group stage, holding Algerian side MC Alger to a goalless draw in a tough, action-packed encounter on Friday night.

The result at the Stade Ali Ammar Dit Ali La Pointe in Algiers maintains Sundowns’ position at the top of Group C with four points from two matches.

The highly anticipated match, which saw the Brazilians’ coach Miguel Cardoso face his predecessor Rulani Mokwena (now at MC Alger), was characterised by robust defending and a flurry of substitutions in the final stages.

Sundowns successfully negotiated a tough opening period and should have taken the lead when Tashreeq Matthews failed to connect cleanly with a Marcelo Allende cross at the far post, sending the ball wide.

The Brazilians endured a major scare before the interval after a defensive mix-up involving Khuliso Mudau and Keanu Cupido, with the latter fortunate to avoid disciplinary action.

The Algerian side missed a sitter when Zinedine Ferhat was released one-on-one by a precise over-the-top pass. Ferhat executed a quick lob over the keeper, but his effort lacked accuracy and flew narrowly over Ronwen Williams’ goal.

Key Second-Half Moments in the MC Alger-Sundowns tie

The second half began as a tense midfield battle, with fouls and offsides punctuating the play. Sundowns had an early chance through a Nuno Santos shot that sailed wide following a set-piece in the 54th minute, while Divine Lunga was involved in winning defensive free-kicks to relieve pressure.

MC Alger Pressure: The home side applied significant pressure between the 81st and 85th minutes, forcing three consecutive corners off the Sundowns defence, but Grant Kekana and Divine Lunga stood firm alongside Keanu Cupido.

Tactical Changes: Both coaches looked to inject fresh energy to break the deadlock.

MC Alger: Brought on attackers like Kipre Zunon and Amine Messoussa in the 77th minute, followed by Mohamed Bangoura and Mohamed Zougrana in the 86th.

Sundowns: Responded by introducing the pace of Aubrey Modiba for Divine Lunga and Arthur Sales for Tashreeq Matthews in the 84th minute. Most notably, Sundowns talisman Themba Zwane was brought on late, replacing Miguel Reisinho in the 88th minute.

The fourth official announced 5 minutes of added time. Despite the late changes and desperate attempts, neither side could find the decisive goal.