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Football CAF Champions League Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns Stumble To Rabat But Reach Champions League KO

  • January 19, 2025
  • 2 min read
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Sundowns Stumble To Rabat But Reach Champions League KO

Mamelodi Sundowns’ sloppiness proved to be their undoing as they allowed FAR Rabat to equalize, dropping crucial points in the final group stage match of the CAF Champions League at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.

A victory would have seen Sundowns finish atop Group B, securing a seeded position in the quarterfinals. However, the draw left them in second place with nine points after six matches, while Rabat topped the group with ten points and earned the seeding advantage.

Sundowns’ objective was clear: win the match to secure first place and a seeded spot in the quarterfinals. Striker Peter Shalulile, who scored the equalizer in the previous match against AS Maniema Union, gave them an early lead. Coach Miguel Cardoso reinstated the Namibian international, despite a subpar season. Shalulile capitalized on Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s delightful free-kick, heading it home in the 12th minute.

The first half was uneventful, with Sundowns comfortably leading and facing minimal pressure from the Moroccan side. Rabat, who had drawn the first-round match in Casablanca after conceding an early goal, posed little threat in the initial stages.

A moment of anxiety arose when Costa’s attempted clearance deflected off the upright, beating goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. This was the only instance where Sundowns were threatened by themselves. Later, Williams almost gifted Rabat a goal with a poor back pass from Malibongwe Khoza that was bouncing badly and appeared to be out. The clearance fell to Youssef Alfahli, whose shot fortunately missed the target.

Against the run of play, Rabat equalized in the 83rd minute. El Amine Zouhzouh beat Williams with a well-placed shot to the near post. This result solidified Rabat’s position at the top of Group B with ten points, while Sundowns dropped to second with nine.

Sundowns appeared lethargic after conceding, failing to press for a winner. Rabat, content with the draw, did not actively seek a victory.

This marked the first time since 2018 that Sundowns failed to win their Champions League group. They couldn’t replicate the success of Orlando Pirates, who topped Group C after defeating Al Ahly 2-1 in Cairo on Saturday.

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Banele Hlakanyana

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