Mamelodi Sundowns saw their 16-game winning streak come to an end as they played out a two-all draw against continental rivals Al-Ahly in Caf Champions League Group B action on Saturday night.
The match lived up to its billing as there was a fierce rivalry that saw yellow cards, strong challenges, penalties and four fine goals.
It was Sundowns who drew first blood when Cassius Mailula came down the left and burst onto the marker to send a cross cutter to Peter Shalulile, who easily tapped in to break the deadlock in the 34th minute.
READ ALSO: Grobler reflected on his career after reaching 100 goals
Al-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 visible gestures, 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 with a practice run when he scored with his trademark corner kick. Abdelmonem got into the box late to make the contact that beat Williams.
The hosts then took the driver’s seat in the 74th minute through Hussein El Shahat who turned on Khuliso Mudau before firing past Williams.
Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena made a number of changes, and perhaps the best substitution was Thapelo Morena, who got Sundowns level in the 80th minute.
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 Cotonsport where they won 3-1, and this draw.
However, Sundowns still lead the group with seven points ahead of Al-Hilal’s six points.