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10-man Sundowns edged in Caf CL qualifier

You are currently viewing 10-man Sundowns edged in Caf CL qualifier
Pitso Mosimane of Mamelodi Sundowns
  • Post published:August 11, 2019

Thapelo Morena scored a vital away goal as Mamelodi Sundowns lost 2-1 in their Caf Champions League first-leg qualifier against AS Otôho d’Oyo in the Congo on Sunday afternoon.

Sundowns did not play in the qualifiers last season, and after making it all the way to the semi-finals of last season’s competition they were looking to avoid slipping up in the qualifiers this time round.

Downs’ Congolese opponents were looking to take advantage of their home ground in the first leg and they got off to the best possible start when Musa Lebusa brought down a Otoho attacker in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

The host capitalised on the opening by slotting home the spot kick and taking an early lead.

Pitso Mosimane’s team looked to hit back quickly as Phakamani Mahlambi forced the opposition into a good save.

Shortly after the Mahalmbi chance Downs were 2-0 down as they host doubled their lead from a well taken corner kick.

Then just before the break Mosimane’s men were dealt a hammer blow when captain Hlompho Kekana was sent off, which infuriated the Sundowns players and coaching staff.

2-0 at the break with the Absa Premiership champions having a big second half ahead of them.
The South Africans came out fighting in the second half and saw protests waved away for a penalty early in the stanza after Tebogo Langerman was brought down in the box.

Downs were pilling on the pressure and eventually pulled a goal back when Thapelo Morena produced a thunderbolt from distance, scoring a vital away goal in the process.

Try as they might Masadawana could not find the equalising goal, but they will take a vital away goal into the second leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in two weeks’ time.