DailySun
Peter Shalulile rescued Mamelodi Sundowns from impending defeat against AS Maniema Union during the CAF Champions League clash at Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte on Saturday.
Shalulile netted two late goals, allowing Sundowns to secure a 2-1 win and maintain their position in second place in Group B.
Before Shalulile’s critical contribution, Sundowns’ captain Ronwen Williams demonstrated his standing as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers by making a crucial save against Rachidi Musinga, diving to block the shot.
In this crucial encounter, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso implemented four changes to the lineup after a 1-0 loss to Raja Casablanca in their previous match.
Mosa Lebusa, Sphelele Mkhulise, Thapelo Morena, and Arthur Sales were introduced to the starting XI, while Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas were sidelined due to suspensions from red cards received in Morocco.
However, the home side nearly struck first with a free kick in the 16th minute, but Ordy Simete’s header went wide of the target.
Just four minutes later, Maniema continued their offensive push with a threatening cross, but Jephte Kitambala’s header missed the mark.
In the 23rd minute, Maniema registered their initial shot on goal from a corner, but Williams reacted quickly to make the save.
The visitors, Sundowns, responded with Marcelo Allende narrowly missing the target as his attempt hit the side netting.
Maniema kept pushing for a breakthrough, but Obed Mbala’s half-volley went astray shortly after the half-hour mark.
After a brief corner that involved a quick one-two play, Teboho Mokoena unleashed a long-range shot that just skimmed over the bar. The home team finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with Kitambala striking a low drive from outside the box.
This goal appeared to deflate the visitors, boosting the home side’s confidence, which led to Allende receiving a yellow card for conceding a free kick at the edge of the box, resulting in a corner for Maniema, leaving the halftime score at 1-0.
In the second half, Cardoso made a tactical substitution, bringing Tashreeq Matthews on for Sales. Sundowns were determined to equalize as Mokoena fired another long-range shot over the bar.
Approaching the hour mark, the South African champions almost leveled when Morena chased down a well-placed pass, but the former Bloemfontein Celtic player failed to convert from a tight angle.
In the 62nd minute, Terrence Mashego and Kutlwano Letlhaku replaced Divine Lunga and Mkhulise, respectively. Lucas Ribeiro attempted a delicate header ten minutes later, but Lyongo Efonge in goal reacted swiftly to clear the threat.
Just two minutes after entering the game, Shalulile equalized, finding himself unmarked at the far post to finish off a delivery from Mokoena in the 83rd minute, which dramatically altered the momentum of the match.
Shalulile then scored what appeared to be the winner shortly after, evading the offside trap; although the ball may have deflected off a defender and could be categorized as an own goal, Sundowns celebrated, successfully avoiding what looked like an inevitable defeat.
With this victory, Sundowns accumulated eight points from five matches, keeping their second place intact, while Maniema remained at the bottom of the group with only three points, thus concluding their campaign in the tournament.
