Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Sundowns second stringers show Bafana how it’s done
MAMELODI Sundowns remained unbeaten in the 2021 CAF Champions League after a goalless draw with Sudan's Al-Hilal in a Group B match at the Al-Hilal Stadium, in Omdurman, Sudan, yesterday.
The outcome was of no consequence to Sundowns since they had already won Group B after four rounds of matches.
They won four matches on the trot and were in an unassailable position with 12 points. With this haul, they had already qualified for the quarter-final round.
The match venue was of some importance to Sundowns since many of their players were in action there a few days ago when Sudan shocked Bafana Bafana with a 2-0 win. As a result, Bafana Bafana ended up on the Afcon also-rans scrapheap instead of qualifying for Cameroon 2022, and coach Molefi Ntseki was subsequently given the boot.
Sundowns fielded a team that included several second-stringers, and it showed in the opening 20 minutes when Al-Hilal made all the running and held the upper hand.
During this passage of play, Al-Hilal had four shots at goal, and Sundowns goalkeeper Ricardo Goss was forced to save as many times.
By the end of the opening half, Al-Hilal had enjoyed 10 shots at goal despite a meagre 34% possession. In comparison, Sundowns had four shots at goal, and none were on target.
As the game progressed, Sundowns added to the pressure spell created by Al-Hilal by trying to play too much in their half, and inside their penalty area as well. They were occasionally dispossessed when Al-Hilal made timely interceptions.
In the second half Al-Hilal dictated play. They forced five corners, which reflected their grip on the match. However, the Sudanese failed to capitalise on their opportunities as Sundowns were unyielding in defence.
Two minutes into added injury time, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe awarded Al-Hilal a free kick in front and just outside Sundowns' penalty area. The set-piece kick flew high over the bar to ensure the match ended goalless.
Sundowns remain one of the form teams in the CAF club premier competition and have shown no signs of slowing down even after the exit of coach Pitso Mosimane. Mosimane is now coaching Champions League reigning champions Al Ahly of Egypt while his former club at Chloorkop is taken care of by co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi, Rulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela.