Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent struggles continued on Tuesday night as they played to a goalless draw against AS Maniema Union in their CAF Champions League Group B opener at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The result means the Brazilians have now gone three games without a win, adding pressure to a side that has built a reputation as serial winners.
The visiting team from the Democratic Republic of Congo executed their game plan to perfection, absorbing relentless pressure from Sundowns while looking every bit like a team satisfied with securing a point. Despite dominating possession, Sundowns lacked the creative spark and clinical edge to break through Maniema’s compact defensive block. The visitors even came close to snatching a shock victory, with a shot rattling the post late in the second half.
Coach Manqoba Mngqithi raised eyebrows with his starting lineup, making six changes from the team that fell to Magesi in the Carling Cup final over the weekend. Key players such as Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Peter Shalulile, and Mothobi Mvala were left out of the XI, a decision that seemed to disrupt Sundowns’ usual fluidity. Opportunities were few and far between, with Teboho Mokoena’s powerful free kick, expertly saved by Maniema’s goalkeeper, and a tame attempt from Arthur Sales among the few notable chances.
This performance followed a tough week for Sundowns, where they were beaten by Kaizer Chiefs in Gqeberha and suffered a shocking loss to Magesi. Tuesday’s draw only deepens concerns about the team’s recent lack of form, particularly in high-stakes matches. For a team with lofty ambitions of reclaiming CAF Champions League glory, failing to secure maximum points against a defensively-minded Maniema side is not the start they envisioned.
The pressure is now firmly on Sundowns as they look to salvage their continental campaign in the coming matches. With tough fixtures looming, the Brazilians will need to rediscover their winning touch quickly. For now, questions remain about whether this Sundowns team has the grit to bounce back and deliver when it matters most.
