Downs finish second in their CAF group

Michaelson Gumede

Mamelodi Sundowns finished as Group C runners-up in the Caf Champions League last night at the Lucas Moripe Stadium following a 1-1 draw with Congolese side AS Vita Club.

Going into the encounter, the defending champions had already booked their place in the quarterfinals of the competition. They however hoped for the result to sway in their favour in a match between Esperance of Tunis and Ethiopian side Saint George, looking to claim the top spot.

However, the Tunisians made sure to finish as group winners by easily beating Saint George 3-0.

Nonetheless, the Brazilians will be happy with the second place finish as it sets them up against Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club, who finished at the summit of Group D, in home and away quarter-final fixtures scheduled for September.

It also means the Chloorkopbased side avoided what would have appeared to be a tougher task against Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are the record holders having ascended the podium on eight occasions. Coach Pitso Mosimane (left) excluded regular front-liners in his starting line-up, most notably captain Hlompho Kekana, Denis Onyango, Teboho Langerman, and Themba Zwane. Stand-in skipper Thabo Nthethe opened the scoring 35 minutes into the game after Masandawana had made numerous attempts in front of goal. The 32-year-old did justice to his nickname, “Mr Cool” when he was at the end of a slick Sundowns attack, passing the ball past goalkeeper Lukong Nelson.

Downs were denied a penalty six minutes after the hour mark, following an unusual break by man-mountain defender Bangaly Soumahoro, who dribbled into Vita’s 18-yard-area, finding Sibusiso Vilakazi, who was then brought down before he could unleash his shot.

Winger Atouba Yazid saw his 70th minute strike beating goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, only fot it to shave the crossbar. Four minutes later, Yazid’s shot was much more accurate as he levelled matters for the visitors to steal a consolation point.