Mamelodi Sundowns saw their 16-match winning streak come to an end as they drew 2-2 against continental rivals Al Ahly in Caf Champions League Group B action on Friday night.
The tie lived up to its billing, with a yellow card, a strong challenge, a penalty saved and four fine goals.
It was Sundowns who drew first blood when Cassius Mailula got down the left and fired a marker to send a grass cutter to Peter Shalulile, who had the easiest of taps to break the deadlock in the 34th minute.
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Ahly were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute when Aubrey Modiba and Mothobi Mvala brought down Percy Tau in the box, leaving the man in the middle with no choice but to point to the penalty spot.
Mohamed Hany stood up to take charge, and before he could take it, the experience of Sundowns captain Themba Zwane came in handy.
‘Mshishi’ walks up to Hany and taunts him, with a visible gesture, telling him to shoot to the right of the goal. But Hany did the opposite and decided to go left, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams dived to that side to save, much to the delight of Masandawana.
However, the Red Devils got an equalizer through Mohamed Abdelmonem in the 59th minute with a practice run from a corner kick. Abdelmonem got into the box late to make the contact that beat Williams.
The hosts were now in the driving seat and took the lead in the 74th minute through Hussein El Shahat who converted Khuliso Mudau before Williams fired home.
Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena made a few changes, and perhaps the best substitution was Thapelo Morena, who got Sundowns level in the 80th minute.
Morena laughed
Mailula fought for the ball in a scramble in the box and managed to shoot at Mohammed El Shanawy’s goal. He beat the veteran goalkeeper but his effort only found the upright.
Fortunately for Sundowns, Morena was in the right place to make the most of the rebound when he fired past El Shenawy to ensure that Sundowns returned to Mzansi with four points from the trip to Cameroon’s Cotonsport where they won 3-1, and this draw.
Sundowns still lead the group with seven points ahead of Al Hilal’s six points.