CAF Champions League

Sundowns fail to pick up three points in Caf Champions League opener

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Ahmed Yousif of Al Merrikh controls possession as Lyle Lakay of Mamelodi Sundowns challenges during the CAF Champions League 2021/22 football match between Al Merreikh and Mamelodi Sundowns held at the Al Salaam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 19 February 2022 ©Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns endured a difficult afternoon in Egypt as they were held to a goalless draw by Al Merreikh in their Caf Champions League Group A clash on Saturday.

Downs handed new signing Erwin Saavedra his first start in place of the injured Pavol Safranko while Rivaldo Coetzee was named ahead of Teboho Mokoena.

The South African champions started on the front foot and almost got an early opener when Themba Zwane was slipped through on goal by Peter Shalulile, but goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid was on hand to make a save at point-blank range.

Downs continued to push forward and had another big chance with 18 minutes gone as Khuliso Madau latched on to a poor back pass to go clear on goal on the right side, but he scooped his shot over the crossbar.

With Sundowns throwing men forward, the home side looked to take advantage of the space in behind as Algozoli Hussien got on the end of a break and received a square pass unmarked in the six-yard box, but his shot towards goal was cleared off the line by Brian Onyango.

The away side were then dealt a major blow moments later as Saavedra was forced off through injury, to be replaced by Thabiso Kutumela for the remainder of the half.

The scoreline read 0-0 at the break despite both sides being presented with good chances to take the lead.

The home side came out with great intent at the start of the second half as they were pushing Sundowns back. Amir Suliman found the back of the net on the hour mark with a great strike into the bottom corner, but his goal was disallowed for offside.

Kutumela then had a chance to break the deadlock for Masandawana in the last quarter after cutting towards goal on the edge of the box, but his curling strike missed wide of the post.

The home side were sensing the opportunity for a famous win, pushing for a winner in the closing stages, but it was Downs who had the chance to snatch a late winner – however, Kutumela poked his shot wide from just outside the six-yard box.

Sundowns remain top of the group heading into next week’s big clash with Al Ahly.