Mamelodi Sundowns were beaten 2-1 in their away leg of their Caf Champions League tie with Zesco United but did net an away goal.

Zesco made a positive start to the game as they looked to attack from the onset, with Jesse Were coming close to opening the scoring after nine minutes.

Sundowns’ first effort went the way of Khama Billiat, but the forward could not direct his volley on target as it sailed harmlessly wide.

Tiyani Mabunda had a great chance for Zesco around the 35-minute mark as his shot was closed down from inside the Sundowns box. At half-time the scores remained level at 0-0.

Zesco began the second period strongly and duly took the lead in the tie as Jackson Mwanza headed home the first goal of the contest.

The forward doubled his side’s lead just a couple of minutes later as he reacted first to a loose ball following a deflection and decisively drove home.

Billiat had a penalty appeal turned down and was consequently yellow carded by the referee. Percy Tau then had a great chance for the Brazilians but blazed over.

With just three minutes left on the clock Sundowns managed to pull a goal back through Billiat, who picked up a cross from Anthony Laffor and duly beat the goalkeeper.

As the final whistle blew the score remained 2-1 in favour of Zesco but with Sundowns set to welcome the side to Chloorkop for the second leg next week there is everything to play for.