Mamelodi Sundowns have collected a 2-1 defeat at Petro de Luanda in their CAF Champions League quarter-final, having it all to do in the second leg at home.
Luanda, who are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League, qualified for the quarter-finals as second from Group D behind Wydad Casablanca, while Mamelodi Sundowns topped Group A after winning five of their six matches.
Sundowns scored the opener from a direct free-kick, when Lyle Lakay put the ball past Wellington Lima after just five minutes.
However, Downs lead lead didn’t last long, as Petro captain Tiago Azulao netted the equaliser in the 16th minute, converting a cross from close range.
Azulao proved he’s in the mood for the game when his bicycle kick attempt just flew over the bar in the 21st minute.
Downs hit the post in the 34th minute when Themba Zwane rounded the keeper but only hit the post from a tight angle.
Peter Shalulile came close to equalising early in the second but the goalkeeper parried his attempt from close range.
Downs looked in control for large parts of the second half but failed to create too many goalscoring opportunities.
The home side were calling for a penalty in the 67th minute for a handball in the Downs box, but the match official and VAR, which is available at this stage of the competition, didn’t agree. VAR reviewed another handball incident five minutes later but again no penalty was given.
Luanda had the ball in the net in the 74th minute, but the goal was ruled out due to an offside in the build-up. However, the home side were now up for it and pushing for a third goal.
Downs thought they had equalised through Neo Maema in the 93rd minute but it was ruled out by the referee due to a foul in the build-up, meaning it stayed 2-1, meaning Downs need to win the return leg at home if they want to make it to the semi-finals.
Sundowns will now have to overturn their first-leg defeat at home next week, but at least they did get the important away goal.
