Mamelodi Sundowns recorded a memorable 1-0 victory over Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League Group A clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Red Eagles got off to a great start and nearly took the lead inside the opening six minutes but Kennedy Mweene did well to make an easy save and keep the score line locked at 0-0.

Khuliso Mudau came to his sides rescue in the 14th minute when he made a crucial clearance in the box after Mohamed Serif managed to get a shot off at goal.

Sundowns had a chance of their own in the 27th minute when Peter Shalulile made a dangerous run down the wing before he managed to cut it back into the box but he failed to find a teammate inside the box as Ahly cleared the ball from danger.

The Brazilians then saw their coach Rulani sent off in the 31rst minute after he was shown a red card and sent to the stands as the game went into the break on level terms.

Sundowns got the ball rolling in the second half and nearly took the lead in the 51st minute through Lyle Lakay after he was played through on goal by Surprise Ralani.

The visitors opted to make an early change in the second half as Andile Jali was taken off and replaced by Haashim Domingo.

El Shenawy was called into action in the 56th minute when he was forced into making a fully stretched save to keep out Lakay’s curling effort at goal.

The Brazilians made another two substitutions in the 67th minute as Aubrey Modiba and Mothobi Mvala came on to replace Ralani and Mokoena.

Mweene then came to his side’s rescue three minutes later when a ball was played to Percy Tau but the Sundowns keeper beat him to the ball before he headed the ball out of the danger area.

Sundowns eventually broke the deadlock in the 84th minute when Thapelo Morena smashed the ball into the back of the net after Ahly failed to clear their line.

The Egyptian giants pushed forward in the closing stages of the game as they went in search of an equalising goal but Sundowns held on for the win and all three points in Cairo.