sportskeeda
Mamelodi Sundowns experienced disappointment as they played to a goalless draw against AS Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their CAF Champions League opener at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.
The match started with Sundowns dominating possession, as expected, while Maniema adopted a solid formation, looking to thwart Sundowns’ central attacks while aiming to capitalize on counterattacks.
The visitors were forced to make an early change in the eighth minute, substituting Mola Otinga with Kanu Jonathan due to a muscle injury.
In the 15th minute, Lucas Ribeiro Costa came close to scoring, attempting a long-range curler to catch Efonge Brudel off guard, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save, conceding only a corner.
The next notable attempt came from a skillfully taken free-kick by Teboho Mokoena from the edge of the box, targeting the top corner, but Efonge was there to block it again.
Marcelo Allende had the final shot of the first half, but it only required a straightforward save from the goalkeeper, leaving the scoreline unchanged at halftime.
The home team returned to the field in the second half with renewed determination, striving to break the deadlock with a flurry of attacks. Allende sent a ball over the entire Maniema defense to find Arthur Sales, but Efonge’s quick reflexes denied him scoring.
A golden opportunity arose in the 62nd minute when Ribeiro assisted Thapelo Morena in the box; however, Morena’s lackluster shot went directly into the goalkeeper’s grasp.
Maniema, enjoying a brief moment of pressure with four successive corner kicks, came close to scoring as Moanda Exaucia hit the crossbar after Sundowns failed to clear the danger from their box.
As frustration grew among Sundowns, Mngqithi opted for a double substitution in the 70th minute, introducing Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema for Erwin Saavreda and Kobamelo Kodisang. Costa fired another powerful shot from outside the box, but Efonge again tipped it over, aided by the post.
Despite their relentless efforts, Sundowns could not find the back of the net, marking a disheartening start to their Champions League campaign. This is the first instance where Sundowns have not won their opening group stage match since suffering a 2-1 defeat to Nigerian side Lobu Stars in the 2018/19 season under coach Pitso Mosimane.
In that season, Sundowns bounced back to finish in second place behind Wydad Casablanca.
Coach Manqoba Mngqithi, whose squad approached this match following a loss in the Carling Knockout Cup final to Magesi FC over the weekend, will be eager for a turnaround in their upcoming five matches.
