In a thrilling match that featured several twists, Africa’s two best clubs at the moment played to a 2-2 draw with nothing to separate Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns in their CAF Champions League Group B clash in Cairo. Thapelo Morena equalized late for the South African champions after Mohamed Abdelmonem and Hussein El Shahat overturned a one-goal deficit for Ahly caused by Peter Shalulile’s opener. Sundowns retain top spot in Group B with seven points from three games while Ahly earn their first point through two matches.
The match lived up to plenty of anticipation with Ahly eager to avenge two defeats suffered at the hands of Sundowns during last year’s CAF Champions League group stage. However it was the visitors who looked to attack and were rewarded for their adventurous approach. After missing two opportunities in the opening twenty minutes, Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile was left with an easy finish in the 34th minute after Cassius Mailula burst down the left wing and found the Namibian at the far post with a precise cross.
Ahly struggled to impose themselves at home in the first half but found new energy after halftime. In the 50th minute former Sundowns star Percy Tau drove into the Sundowns penalty area and went down under challenges from Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala, causing Bamlak Weyesa to point to the penalty spot. Ahly right back Mohamed Hany’s poor spot kick was rejected by Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams and the search went on for Ahly.
The hosts would find their leveler in the 59th minute when a corner kick from Ali Maâloul found an unmarked Abdelmonem who stooped to send an accurate header past Williams. Ahly continued applying pressure and snatched the lead in the 74th when El Shahat cut inside from the left wing and patiently waited for a space to fire past defender Khuliso Mudau and past Williams at his near post.
In the end it was an excellent effort from Sundowns who collected themselves and pulled back a deserved leveler in the 80th minute. Mailula managed to find space outside the Ahly penalty area and sent a shot past Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy and back off the post. The ball came back to Morena who settled the ball before blasting past El Shenawy, resulting in a sharing of the spoils.
Highlights are below.
