Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, saved a last-minute penalty to deny Al Hilal a win and keep Al Ahly’s Caf Champions League hopes alive.
Rulani Mokwena made one change from the team that beat Royal AM 5-1 – injured Grant Kekana was replaced by Brian Onyango.
The home side kicked off the proceedings but it was Masandawana who controlled the opening minutes of the match. In the sixth minute Sundowns almost scored when Teboho Mokoena’s free kick went inches wide of the upright.
Four minutes later Lilepo Makabi outpaced Onyango on the right before unleashing a powerful shot which was saved by Williams for a corner. Three minutes later it was the dangerman, Lilepo, agaij who came one-on-one with Williams and only to be denied by the Sundowns goalkeeper.
Two minutes later Themba Zwane flicked the ball to Neo Maema inside the Al Hilal box and Sundowns midfielder hit a shot across the face of goal which was saved by goalkeeper Ali Abo.
Sundowns almost scored inside the first minute of the second half when Marcelo Allende was denied by Abo from close range and Cassius Mailula’s rebound went inches wide.
Midway through the second half Sundowns were awarded a free kick outside the box following a foul on Mailula. Aubrey Modiba’s free kick was parried into the path of Mudau and Sundowns defender pushed the rebound into the back of the net.
Five minutes later the home side equalised through Mohamed Yagoub following a mistake by Williams. The Sundowns goalkeeper was disposed after attempting to play from the back.
With a few minutes remaining on the clock, the hosts were awarded a penalty when El Tayeb was fouled inside the box. Athar’s last minute penalty was saved by Williams to deny the home side a win.
Al Ahly will need to beat Al Hilal to progress to the quarter-final.
By Zola Doda