Caf Champions League newbies AS Maniema Union managed to get a point against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Congolese outfit put up a great fight to frustrate the hosts in front of a sizable crowd that had turned up to cheer their players.
The one point collected means AS FAR Rabat, who beat Botola Pro League champions 2-0 away, lead Group B with three points followed by Mamelodi Sundowns and AS Maniema Union respectively. Raja are at the bottom with no point.
After the game in Mzansi, Maniema coach Papi Kimoto lauded his arsenal for their output and went on to explain why he feels Masandawana will top the pool.
Maniema have nothing to lose but Downs will top Group B
“I’m satisfied with the performance of the team, the players suffered together, played together, we have the opportunity now, playing two games at home, if we win the two games, we might be first in the group,” the said after the game.
“We have nothing to lose, we playing without pressure, and today, our players gave it all. We are a team, a so-called small team, playing without pressure.
“Sundowns are high-level, a good team, and they still have the chance to top the group, I don’t believe the two other teams [Raja and ASFAR] will get away with one point at Loftus, but at some point we made them doubt themselves, that we could have scored,” Kimoto added.
“We’re happy with one point but Sundowns are still favourites to top the group, Sundowns are favourites.”
Sundowns play AS Far Rabat in their next game as Maniema host Raja Casablanca in Kinshasa.
