Mokoena’s stunner not enough as Sundowns drop points at home

Mamelodi Sundowns drew their second straight group stage match in the CAF Champions League after a 2-2 stalemate at home to Sudanese giants Al-Hilal on Friday night.

The game had four beautiful goals scored by both sides with Sundowns throwing away the lead after going ahead in the 64^th minute.

Al-Hilal scored after 15 minutes when Nuno Santos failed to defend well out wide before the ball fell to Abdelrazig Omer in the box and he unleashed a left-footed stunner past Ronwen Williams for 1-0.

Teboho Mokoena playing against Al Hilal.

Sundowns had to wait until the 23^rd minute for their first goal which was scored by Arthur Sales. Marcelo Allende brought in a delightful ball from deep which took out the entire Al-Hilal team and found Sales, who beat the offside trap, and slotted past the goalkeeper.

Mokoena scores stunning goal

In the second half, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso brought in new signing Brayan Leon for Lebo Mothiba and the Colombian forward nearly had an immediate impact when he received a lofted ball into the box but did not connect well.

At this point, Al-Hilal were making it difficult for Sundowns to cut through them with Teboho Mokoena and Allende playing so deep with no outlet for the Brazilians.

Abdelrazig Omer of Al Hilal celebrates his goal against Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, they got a rare chance on the counter attack which they failed to utilise, with Mokoena’s shot well saved by the goalkeeper and Tashreeq Matthews missing from the rebound.

Two minutes later, Sundowns went ahead and in some fine fashion. From a short corner, Matthews passed to Mokoena, who was unmarked nearly 40 yards out, and the midfielder unleashed a first-time shot that flew into the top corner, sending the entire stadium on its feet.

Teboho Mokoena from long range 😲💥

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Where does draw leave Sundowns?

The goal looked like it could be the winner but Al-Hilal did not give up and found their reward in the 71^st minute. Grant Kekana failed to clear well and Omer completed his brace for 2-2.

With five minutes to go, Al-Hilal were reduced to 10 men when Liberian forward Emmanuel Flomo was sent off for a hand to face challenge on Khuliso Mudau.

Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate Artur Sales goal against Al Hilal.

The draw leaves Sundowns with work to do as they missed an opportunity to collect maximum points at home and now must do it away to Al-Hilal next week.

Sundowns are still top of their group with five points from three matches, same as the Sudanese giants, who have an inferior goal difference, while Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger and St Eloi Lupopo are one point each before they face off on Sunday.