Mamelodi Sundowns finished second in Group C following their 1-1 draw with AS Vita in their final Caf Champions League group stage encounter on Sunday, writes Dylan Appolis.

Sundowns started the clash within a chance of finishing as the group leaders, despite the fact that even if they defeated AS Vita it would not have been enough, since Esperance beat St George to finish top of Group C.

The Brazilians had the first opportunity of the match eight minutes in when Anthony Laffor played Yannick Zakri through on goal. However, the AS Vita shot-stopper came off his line to keep the match level at 0-0.

However, as the match went on, both sides struggled to carve out any clear-cut opportunities at goal, despite both picking up the pace.

Pitso Mosimane’s side eventually opened the scoring in the 35th minute as defender Thabo Nthethe found the net from close range to make it 1-0.

AS Vita pushed forward in search of an equaliser as the first half was coming to a close, but found it hard to break down the Brazilians defence.

Percy Tau came close to doubling his side’s lead in the 52nd minute after he was picked out by Fares Hachi, however the striker blazed his effort straight into the hands of Bongaman.

Sundowns continued to threaten in the final third when Lafford latched on to Tau’s free kick before he drove his volleyed effort at goal, but his attempt was clear off the line, as the score remained 1-0.

AS Vita nearly found the equalising goal five minutes later as Yazid Atouba’s curling effort hit the woodwork and away to safety.

The visiting side did eventually find the back of the net in the 79th minute when Atouba volleyed his effort into the net to beat Kenny Mweene, who stood between the sticks for Sundowns.

Sundowns pushed forward in search of the winning goal, but found it hard to break down Vita’s defence as both sides were forced to share the spoils at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix