Mamelodi Sundowns face an uphill battle to qualify for a semi-final spot in the CAF Champions League after a 2-0 loss against Al Ahly in their first-leg encounter on Saturday evening.

Sundowns had never won in Egypt heading into the encounter and were desperate for a big result prior to the second leg in Pretoria, while Al Ahly were looking for revenge following the 5-0 loss at the same stage of last season’s competition.

The opening stages were tightly contested but it was the home side who had the first opening as Dennis Onyango was called into action and then moments later Al Ahly’s El-Shenawy was also involved as he denied Wayne Arendse. 

Gaston Sirino was in the mood and he came close to opening the score but his long-range effort flew just wide.

While the home side looked the more likely heading towards the end of the half, neither side could find the crucial breakthrough.

The Egyptians came out fired up in the second stanza and it took them only 10 minutes to take the lead as Ali Maaloul finished past Onyango from close range after persistent pressure.

Downs’ problems were then compounded on the 65th-minute mark as the home side were awarded a penalty after Aliou Badji was brought down in the 18-yard area. Maalou was given the responsibility and he stepped up and made no mistake from the spot. 

Mosimane tried to effect the game by bringing on Tiyani Mabunda and Themba Zwane, but they couldn’t get back into the game.

However, it was too little too late as the Egyptians ran out 2-0 winners and will carry a healthy advantage into the second leg.