Group B heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns and Al-Hilal served up a pulsating 22 draw in an action-packed CAF Champions League encounter on Friday night, a contest that underlined why both sides sit atop the group.
Fresh from an impressive domestic outing, Sundowns head coach placed faith in youth by handing Thato Sibiya another start, while restoring the experience and control of Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende and Nuno Santos. The hosts looked eager to impose themselves early, circulating the ball with intent, but it was the visitors who struck first.
Against the run of play, Abdel Raouf Yaqoub ghosted in at the near post in the 15th minute to thunder home his third goal of the campaign, momentarily silencing the home crowd. True to their pedigree, Masandawana responded with composure rather than panic. Five minutes later, Arthur Sales drew the hosts level, calmly finishing from close range after a sweeping cross-field delivery by Santos.
Al-Hilal were forced into an early change ten minutes before the break as Ousmane Diouf succumbed to injury, prompting the introduction of Mohamed Ahmed. As halftime approached, Sundowns tightened their grip, stitching together slick passing sequences, but found the Sudanese outfit well-drilled and difficult to break down.
The second half brought renewed energy and fresh faces. New signing Brayan Len was introduced for his continental debut, replacing Lebo Mothiba. The Colombian forward nearly marked the occasion in style, firing a low first-time effort from a tight angle that was smartly denied.
The breakthrough the Brazilians craved arrived midway through the second period. A clever short-corner routine caught Hilal napping, allowing Mokoena space on the edge of the area, and the midfield general made no mistake rifling a fierce effort into the near corner to put Sundowns ahead.
But the lead was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Omer struck again, timing his run perfectly to meet a low cross and guide the ball into the bottom corner, completing his brace and restoring parity.
Late drama followed as Hilal were reduced to ten men after Emmanuel Flommo was sent off for a foul on Khuliso Mudau. Despite the numerical advantage and late pressure, Sundowns were unable to find a winner, and the spoils were shared in a fitting end to an absorbing contest.
The result keeps Group B finely balanced and serves as an early reminder that the road to continental glory will be fiercely contested.
