Downs take small advantage

DRC side fill quarter of Loftus with their fans

at Loftus Stadium A CLASH between probably two of the richest clubs in Africa should have produced sparks. But it was dirty, aggressive and ignored by broadcasters.

It ended with Mamelodi Sundowns snatching a late winner through Khama Billiat, a result that suits the Brazilians and might be too difficult for TP Mazembe to turn around in two weeks’ time.

Pitso Mosimane had stuck with the team that walloped Polokwane City 5-0. But leaving talisman Teko Modise on the bench in such a crucial Caf Champions League first-round match was a mistake. The coach realised his error on the stroke of half time but by then this game was already spoilt.

Billiat’s winner in the 85th minute saved Mosimane’s blushes as attention switched back to the midfielder who often delivers in important matches.

His goal carries weight with Sundowns soon to travel to one of the most intimidating grounds in Africa. Ask Orlando Pirates.

Before Billiat scored, the spotlight was on the referee. Hamada El Moussa Nampiandraza of Madagascar never had control of the game, denying Sundowns a clear penalty when right back Siyanda Zwane was fouled in the 21st minute.

The error-prone official then rattled Mazembe feathers when sending off Chango Kabaso for a reckless tackle on Anthony Laffor. Chango deserved it but the game died.

And that is when Mosimane decided to replace midfielder Bongani Zungu, who had already been booked for a silly foul on Rainford Kalaba, with Modise. The “Navigator”, as he is often referred to, would have opened up the game by spraying passes to find striker Cuthbert Malajila, Billiat and Laffor.

But when he came on to do just that the game had become too compact. Mazembe would have been happy with a draw despite Billiat having other ideas.

Downs choked. The South Africans were just not ready for the kind of physicality that they came across here.

When they did try to get forward, goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba was alert. His counterpart Dennis Onyango was equally good, but wasn’t tested as much.

Downs were decent but they could have been better.

Mazembe also robbed the

Sundowns should be given credit for not losing momentum from their league run

Brazilians of their home-ground advantage with a quarter of Loftus Stadium filled by their fans. With that kind of support away from home, imagine Stade TP Mazembe on April 4, when the second leg is played.

Sundowns should be given credit for not losing momentum from their impressive league run, which they have now taken into the Champions League.