CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – DECEMBER 18: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso during the Betway Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at DHL Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat in the CAF Champions League group stages after going down 1-0 to Raja Casablanca.
CAF Champions League
Result: Raja Casablanca 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 04 January 2025
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli
Sundowns made six changes from their win over Richards Bay, as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Divine Lunga, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews and Iqraam Rayners were all brought in.
Raja were spirited and highly charged in the opening exchanges, as they looked to unsettle Masandawana with an early goal.
The Brazilians settled to playing on counter-attacks and on 18 minutes Rayners found the back of the net after he went through on goal but his effort was flagged offside.
Miguel Cardoso’s charges managed to escape the pressure from the Green Eagles towards the half-hour mark, as they pressed them high but they were yet to break on transitions again.
In a very physical game, the Tshwane giants were reduced to ten men five minutes before the interval after Bathusi Aubaas was red-carded for a lunging tackle on Younes Najjari.
Raja capitalized on their numerical advantage on the stroke of half-time after Benaissa Benamar beat an offside trap from a corner and fired a low shot towards the bottom corner.
The Green Eagles were quick off the blocks from the break as just a minute later Adam Ennaffati forced a save out of Williams.
Cardoso immediately reacted with a defensive and tactical change, as he sacrificed Matthews and brought on Mosa Lebusa to reinforce at the back.
Sundowns competed better after that, as they could hold the ball for much longer periods.
However, Masandawana had to thank Williams for not being 2-0 down with 20 minutes remaining after the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper denied Sabir Bougrine in a one-on-one chance in the box.
The game was getting out of hand with discipline on the pitch in the last ten minutes and Raja were also reduced to ten men after Marouane Zila got two quick yellow cards and was dismissed.
The game was on the edge in the dying minutes and late substitute Thembinkosi Lorch had a big chance for the visitors after he raced clear on goal from a mistake at the back but he fired his shot wide.
Masandawana finished the game with nine men after Mudau was red-carded in added time remonstration, as they lost 1-0.
Here’s how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Khoza, Kekana, Mudau, Aubaas, Mokoena, Lunga, Matthews, Allende, Rayners, Ribeiro
Subs: Onynago, Lorch, Lebusa, Modiba, Sales, Lethaku, Mkhulise, Morena, Shalulile
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