Mamelodi Sundowns were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw against Al-Hilal, who ended the match with 10 men in a pulsating CAF Champions League Group C clash at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.
Sundowns trail early
Despite dominating possession for long periods, Sundowns found themselves trailing early as the visitors drew first blood in the 15th minute through Abdelrazig Omer. A deflected ball over the defence sent the forward through on goal, and he responded with a thunderous finish into the roof of the net.
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The hosts responded positively and restored parity just six minutes later. Arthur Sales showed composure and strength to control Marcelo Allende’s long pass before calmly steering the ball past Al-Hilal goalkeeper Farid Ouédraogo from close range.
The sides went into the interval level, but Sundowns emerged with greater intensity after the break. For the second match in succession, head coach Miguel Cardoso opted for a change up front, introducing Brayan León in place of Lebo Mothiba at the start of the second half.
The substitution added more bite to Sundowns’ attack, and León came close to giving the hosts the lead on the hour mark, only to be denied by a fine save from Ouédraogo.
Sundowns eventually found their breakthrough in the 64th minute when Teboho Mokoena produced a moment of quality. The midfielder struck a sublime long-range effort from just outside the box, sending the ball into the top corner after a well-rehearsed set-piece.
However, Sundowns were unable to protect their advantage as Omer struck again seven minutes later. Poor defending allowed the forward space inside the area, and he punished the hosts with a powerful low shot to complete his brace.
Red card
The visitors were reduced to 10 men late on when Emmanuel Flomo was shown a straight red card for a dangerous elbow on Khuliso Mudau in the 84th minute. Sundowns pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Al-Hilal held firm to earn a valuable away point and maintain their unbeaten run in the group.
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The draw sees Sundowns remain top of Group C on five points, level with Al-Hilal but ahead on goal difference. Saint-Éloi Lupopo will host MC Alger on Sunday, with both sides still searching for their first victory of the group stage.
