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Mamelodi Sundowns earned a valuable point in their second CAF Champions League encounter, concluding in a 1-1 draw against FAR Rabat, which keeps them in second place in Group B at Stade El Abdi on Saturday.
The Brazilians traveled to Morocco seeking their first victory in the Champions League group stages after a lackluster start, having settled for a goalless draw at home against AS Maniema from Congo.
Young defender Mlibongwe Khoza, just 20 years old, faced another significant test as coach Manqoba Mngqithi selected him for another start, marking his most demanding appearance yet in continental football.
The match began at a brisk pace, with both teams engaging in fast-paced exchanges, resulting in brief spells of possession as each side sought to gain an early advantage.
Eventually, the 2016 African champions found their groove, controlling the game as the first half developed and inching closer to the first quarter mark.
Rabat’s first chance came in the 18th minute when midfielder Mohamed Hrimat fired a long-range effort that posed little threat to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
In the 21st minute, Sundowns were compelled to make an early substitution due to a knee injury to Mothobi Mvala while he was trying to clear the ball. The former Highlands Park midfielder-turned-defender made way for Mosa Lebusa.
Despite their possession advantage, the South African champions struggled to breach the Moroccan defense, which effectively stifled any attempts, denying the visitors clear scoring opportunities.
Just before halftime, Lucas Riberio Costa and Rabie Hrimat were shown yellow cards for unsporting behavior following a skirmish after a foul.
While neither side managed to score, Sundowns appeared more lively in their attacking efforts.
In the second half, Sundowns were quick to threaten, with Aubrey Modiba attempting a long-range shot just three minutes in, which sailed into the stands.
A crucial one-on-one moment in the Sundowns penalty area almost led to a goal, but Lebusa deftly blocked Anas Bach’s shot in the 52nd minute, ensuring that Masandawana remained in the game.
With continuous pressure mounting, the Sundowns defense faced relentless challenges, but Williams made a key save from a header that emerged from a crowded box.
Surprisingly, against the tide of pressure, Sundowns made a breakthrough in the 66th minute. A well-orchestrated move saw Williams deliver a long pass to Iqraam Rayners, who executed a half-volley into the net from just outside the box, curling it over the goalkeeper.
The home side quickly responded, equalizing just eight minutes later. Captain Hrimat, unmarked, slotted home from a perfectly placed cross, igniting the previously subdued crowd at the Ben M’Hamed Stadium.
Unlike the first half, both teams created equal chances in the second, with almost every attack looking dangerous. However, Sundowns finished the match with 10 players after Modiba received a red card for a late challenge in the 90th minute, resulting in a shared point.
