CAF CL: Al Merrikh Puts The SUNDOWN

There was no second successive win for Mamelodi Sundowns on the road in match day 2, as they were held back by stubborn Sudanese opposition – Al Merrikh.

Zwane’s early 8th minute strike gave Sundowns victory on match day one at the Royal Bafokeng stadium, but a repeat of the trick was always going to be an uphill task at the Al Salam stadium in Cairo.

It was always going to be tough for coach
Manqoba Mngqith – facing two Sudanese sides; Al Hilal and Al Merrikh – less than a fortnight.

Last year’s quarter finalists and 2016 champions Sundowns were neck to neck and couldn’t get the better Al Merrikh, in a game that went down to fine margins, and eventually ended on a zero-all parity.

Sundowns however retain top position in group A with 4 points. Three points going the way of the Masandawana after day 1. Up next for Mamelodi is Ahly, on February 26, on Pitso’s home coming.

As for Al Merreikh, they now share second place with Al-Ahly, who have a game in hand.