AS FAR of Morocco and South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns qualified for the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League out of Group B after playing to a 1-1 draw in Pretoria on Sunday. Amine Zouhzouh equalized late for visitors AS FAR after Peter Shalulile gave Sundowns a first half lead, leaving AS FAR as the group winners and Sundowns runners-up.
Sundowns, who only needed to avoid defeat to advance, will be disappointed at not finishing off the victory to win the group. The hosts dominated and took the lead in the 12th minute when a well crafted set piece freed up Shalulile to head in a free kick service from Lucas Ribeiro.
However, Sundowns could not hold on to secure top spot in the group. A late push from AS FAR saw star playmaker Zouhzouh, on as a substitute, produce a calm low finish past Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from a cross. AS FAR finish a point clear at the top of Group B with the result.
In the other match, Raja CA defeated DR Congo's AS Maniema Union 1-0 in Morocco courtesy of a first half penalty kick from Adam Ennafati. It was not enough for Raja who needed a victory and for Sundowns to lose to have any hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.
Results
Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) 1-1 AS FAR (MAR)
Raja CA (MAR) 1-0 AS Maniema Union (DRC)
Final Group B Table
GP | Points | |
AS FAR | 6 | 10 |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 6 | 9 |
Raja CA | 6 | 8 |
Maniema Union | 6 | 3 |
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