Mamelodi Sundowns‘ 1-1 draw with AS FAR in their last Group B game on Sunday guaranteed them a spot in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.
Last week, the Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch advanced to the Champions League and Confederation Cup knockout stages with one game remaining, and now Sundowns was set to follow suit.
While AS FAR, who had already qualified, required a win or draw to finish the group on top, the Brazilians entered this match with eight points, one point behind their opponent, and just needed a win or draw to go to the quarterfinals for the seventh time in a row.
Due to their second-place performance in their group, Sundowns will not be placed in the quarterfinal draw, where they will play the top-seeded clubs.
Peter Shalulile and Malibongwe Khoza were draughted back into the starting lineup as Masandawana made two changes from their 2-1 victory over Maniema Union the previous week.
And they had a fantastic start when Shalulile headed a free kick from Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the 12th minute to give them the lead. They appeared to have done enough to win, but Amine Zouhzouh of the Moroccan powerhouses tied the score with six minutes left.
Sundowns dominated the first half and had opportunities to extend their lead but were unable to take advantage of them.
Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was a spectator during the first half as AS FAR failed to get going and didn’t bother him.
Goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati stopped Shalulile’s low volley in the box, giving the home team another chance to extend their lead.
Sundowns kept up their questioning towards the conclusion of the first half, but they were unable to overcome the visitors’ defence and had to make do with a little lead at the half.
To extend their lead, the home team carried on from the second half. Iqraam Rayners had a chance, but El Khayati tipped his attempt for a corner.
In the second half, Rayners were giving them trouble, but they were able to find gaps behind the Moroccan defence.
Despite having several opportunities to equalise late in the second half, AS FAR was unable to do so. They were rewarded for their efforts when Zouhzouh tapped home to ensure they shared the spoils after going unchallenged in the penalty area.
