Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated from the 2018 Caf Champions League after a 0-0 draw to Horoya at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday night, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
The former CAF Champions League winners came into the match knowing only a victory would help them advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament and as a result, Pitso Mosimane opted to field his strongest 11 – something that was missing in their first-leg MTN8 loss to Cape Town City.
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Jeremy Brockie spearheaded the attack alongside Gaston Sirino, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Themba Zwane.
⚽STARTING 11⚽
Here is our confirmed Starting XI for our CAF Champions League clash against Horoya AC:#Sundowns #DownsHoroya #CAFCL pic.twitter.com/orKLZAgz6i
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 28, 2018
The home side started the brighter of the two and came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute, but Brockie’s vicious effort was fired straight into the opposition goalkeeper’s hands.
Despite only needing a point to secure their spot in the next round, Horoya, did not park a bus and instead showed glimpses of their attacking prowess on the counter-attack.
Sirino should have put the home side ahead on the stroke of halftime, but the Uruguayan blazed his effort over from close range.
Sundowns became more and more desperate as the game gradually went on and were forced into the first change of the game when the out-of-form Brockie made way for Anthony Laffor in the 55th minute.
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Two minutes later, Sundowns shot-stopper Denis Onyango was forced into making a fine save to deny the visitors the opener.
Laffor was unlucky not to score in the 62nd minute when his snapshot deflected off a defender and onto the crossbar.
The home side upped their tempo in search of the opener and replaced defensive midfielder Tiyani Mabunda with Lebogang Maboe.
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In the end, Horoya managed to withstand any Sundowns attack to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Photo: Gallo Images
