Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played out to a 1-1 draw in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg game at the Lucas Moripe’s stadium on Saturday, as the visitors progressed 3-1 on aggregate to the semi-finals.
Having failed to take part in the reverse fixture, Themba Zwane was handed a starting berth alongside Andile Jali while the Red Devils introduced Hussein El Shahat and Mohsen into their first XI.
After a cagey half of football, Sundowns conceded a corner through Mosa Lebusa. The resulting set-piece was floated into the backpost where Amr El Soleya headed the ball across goal for Yasser Ibrahim to nod home from close range to further increase the visitors lead on aggregate.
It was a game of few chances and it took another ten minutes before an attempt was seen. Sphelele Mkhulise carved out a space for himself to shoot but his effort missed the goal by some inches.
The hosts found the equalizer on the half-hour mark. A short corner was worked to Aubrey Modiba and his pinpoint delivery was met by Lebusa who rose highest to power home into the top corner.
Sundowns kicked into top gear and began creating chances for the remaining minutes of the half. Zwane managed to open up a space for himself but his effort went narrowly wide of the post.
Shortly after the interval, Downs won a free-kick in a dangerous position when Salah Mohsen brought down Thapelo Morena. Modiba was saddled with the responsibility but his sent his effort over the bar.
Sundowns were mounting the pressure as they kept threatening from setpieces. Modiba whipped in yet another free kick to the backpost for substitute Mauricio Affonso but the latter’s header was palmed away by El Shenawy.
Afterwards, Lyle Lakay came on for the impressive Aubrey Modiba and almost made an instant impact when his well driven effort missed the upright as Masandawana are running out of time.
In the final quarter, Gift Motupa combined expertly with Affonso but the substitute’s effort was brilliantly saved by El Shenawy yet again.
Sundowns couldn’t find a way back into the game as Pitso Mosimane’s boys edged the contest 3-1 on aggregate to reach another semifinals.