All four clubs in Group B remain in the race for qualification to the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League after 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns fell by a 1-0 score to Morocco's Raja CA in Casablanca on Saturday evening. A first half red card to Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas was soon followed by Raja's match winning goal from Benaissa Benamar, reviving the Green Eagles' hopes in the group stage from an ill-tempered match that saw three red cards issued.
Backed by fierce home support, struggling Raja showed more urgency and pride in a hard fought match against Group B favorites Sundowns. A well organized defensive performance from the hosts kept the prolific Sundowns attack from gaining momentum in the early stages.
But the match saw a major twist in the 40th minute when an ill-advised sliding tackle from Aubaas caught the ankle of Raja forward Younes Najjari and referee Abdelaziz Mohamed Bouh was quick to issue a red card to the Sundowns midfielder.
Soon after Raja capitalized to snatch the lead just before halftime. A short corner kick saw the Sundowns defense unravel as Youssef Belammari's cross found a wide open Benamar and the central defender had plenty of time to finish past a helpless Ronwen Williams in the Sundowns goal.
As expected, Sundowns had difficulty getting back into the match with the numerical disadvantage while Williams was called into action with a couple of good saves to keep the match close. The South African champions were given a lifeline in the 80th minute when Raja substitute Marouane Zila was sent off for a poor challenge on Aubrey Modiba. However the exhausted visitors could not muster a final charge and even suffered another expulsion when right back Khuliso Mudau lost his composure and was sent off in the final moments.
Fellow Moroccan club AS FAR now have a three-point lead at the top of the group while only two points separate second placed Sundowns from last place Maniema Union.
Highlights
Group B Table
GP | Points | |
| 4 | 8 |
| 4 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 4 | 3 |
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