Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played to a 2-2 draw in their Group B CAF Champions League clash at Al Salam Stadium on Saturday evening.
Sundowns looked the brighter of the two sides early on but the record-ten-time champions grew into the fixture and created an enthralling spectacle befitting of Africa’s elite club competition.
Ahly knew the pressure was all on them, after their 1-0 defeat to Al Hilal last week while Sundowns were seeking three wins from three after beating the Sudanese giants and Coton Sport in their opening two encounters.
And they gave themselves something to smile about in the first half when, against the run of play, Cassius Mailula found space on the flank before sending in a low cross to Peter Shalulile to tap one home beyond Mohamed El Shenaway.
Ahly looked somewhat angered by that opening half and hit waves of attacking against Masandwana and were eventually rewarded when Percy Tau was brought down in the area by Mothobi Mvala to earn a penalty.
But Ronwen Williams stood tall to save the resulting spot-kick, much to the delight of his teammates and technical team.
Ahly did, however, level matters when Mohamed Abdelomonem, someone Mokwena pointed out as an aerial threat, headed one home from a corner – before Hussein El Shahat put them ahead 15 minutes later with a deft finish.
But it wasn’t over, as substitute Thapelo Morena secured a vital away point in Cairo by making it 2-2 in the final ten minutes of the game.
The result maintained Mokwena’s unbeaten record since taking charge from Manqoba Mngqithi as the sole head coach of the Brazilians – and they moved to seven points in Group B, while Ahly secured their first in their second game.
