Mamelodi Sundowns and AS Maniema Union played out to a 0-0 draw in their 2024/25 CAF Champions League group stage opener at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.
Sundowns came into the game, notably reeling from their shock Carling Knockout Cup upset against Magesi, where they lost 2-1 in a comeback from the rookies in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Coach Manqoba Mngqithi responded with six changes to the XI with Thapelo Morena, Malinbongwe Khoza, Divine Lunga, Erwin Saavedra, Kabelo Kodisang and Artur Sales making the starting line-up.
But the bold move only provided dominance of possession, while the visitors carved out the more clear-cut chances, hitting the woodwork in the second half and keeping captain Ronwen Williams the busier of the two goalkeepers.
In what will undoubtedly be a result that piles further pressure on Mngqithi and his technical team, a home win against the lowest-ranked side in the group will offer confidence to the hopes of Botola Pro giants ASFAR and Raja Athletic Club who meet at 21h00 this evening in the other Group B fixture.
