Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated by a goalless draw by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s AS Maniema Union in the opening match of the CAF Champions League at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday. 

The match started with Sundowns expectedly hogging the ball and Maniema staying compact with intent to block Sundowns’ middle progression, looking to hit the Brazilians on a counterattack. 

The visiting side was forced to make a substitution in the eighth minute with Mola Otinga making way for Kanu Jonathan due to a muscle injury. 

Lucas Ribeiro Costa came close to a goal in the 15th minute when he tried to catch Efonge Brudel off-guard, attempting a curler from a distance, but the keeper was equal to the shot, giving away a corner kick only. 

Their second effort on goal came as a result of a beautifully struck freekick from the edge of the box. Teboho Mokoena fancied his chances despite the distance, going for the top corner but was repelled by Efonge. 

Marcelo Allende’s efforts were the last of the first half, but only required a routine save from the keeper, sending the match goalless at halftime. 

The home side returned with renewed intent in the second 45 minutes, trying to draw first blood with a flurry of attacks. Allende floated the ball over every Maniema player and found Arthur Sales who was denied by Efonge’s smooth reflexes. 

The 62nd minute saw the Brazilians with a clear-cut chance after Ribeiro set up Thapelo Morena in the 18-yard box, but his underwhelming attempt ended up in the goalkeeper’s safe hands. 

A Maniema side who had enjoyed a brief stay in Sundowns through four successive corner kicks almost stunned the Brazilians but hit the crossbar through Moanda Exaucia after Sundowns failed to clear the ball out of their box. 

Sundowns’ dullness in front of the goalpost saw a frustrated Mngqithi make a double substitution, in the 70th minute – introducing Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema for Erwin Saavreda and Kobamelo Kodisang. Costa again lined up another thunderous shot on the edge of the box but Efinge tipped it over and was also assisted by the post.  

Notwithstanding their attempts, Sundowns could not find the back of the net and therefore forced to settle for a rather disappointing start to their Champions League campaign. It is the first time Sundowns has been unable to win the opening group stage match of the Champions League since losing 2-1 to Nigeria side Lobu Stars in the 2018/19 season under coach Pitso Mosimane.  

On that occasion, Sundowns picked their way up by finishing second behind Wydad Casablanca.  

Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, whose side came to this game after losing the Carling Knockout Cup final over the weekend to Magesi FC, will hope they pick themselves off in the next five matches left.