Mamelodi Sundown’s quest for a second CAF Champions League title was ended by Tunisian side, ES Tunis, who secured a 1-0 victory (2-0 on aggregate) in the second leg of the semifinals on Friday evening at a full house Loftus Versfeld.
In what was a tense and action-filled encounter from go, it was the home side who struck first through Peter Shalulile’s shot in the second minute but was saved at the near post to deny them an opener for the second half of the semifinals. This was certainly a game of clear-cut chances from Masandawana as they carved out a plethora of opportunities and dominated the full 90 minutes.
The game was put on a halt and both sides were signalled to head to their changing rooms just after the 20-minute mark, following inclement weather. After a lengthy delay, play was resumed. Due to a clash outside the box that Thapelo Maseko was involved in seven minutes after the resumption of play, the forward could not continue with the game. Despite the two big chances from Shalulile and Thapelo Morena, as well as the six minutes of added time, both sides were unable to hit the nets, heading ti the break deadlocked.
The second half produced more opportunities to break the deadlock and despite the plenty chances from Coach Rulani’s men, it was the visitors who created the real opening on the 58th minute. The Relentless Masandawana sought an instant response with Marcelo Allende’s half volley on the edge of the box, sending the goalkeeper to work.
A few minutes later the Brazilians came closer to finding a goal through Lucas Ribeiro who received the ball from Thembinkosi Lorch’s delivery. Ribeiro made a turn and hit a shot that sent his efforts over the bar. Masandawana continued to rattle their counterparts with opportunities but their efforts were unfortunately not enough to see them through to the finals of the competition.
How we lined up: Williams. Kekana, Mvala, Coetzee, Mudau, Lunga, Maseko, Aubaas, Allende, Shalulile, Ribeiro.
Subs: B. Onyango, Lebusa, Zungu, lorch, Modiba, Zwane, Morena, Maema, Matthews.
What a disappointment from a supporters view.Lightning striking at the same place again.Being let down by Rhulani with his over analyzing of the game.As if he ddnt learn anything from sidelining Sirino.I can’t even say I’m wishing a speedy recovery for Maseko bcoz Rhulani just chooses 2 annoy us by fielding this boy and Lorch too bcoz he wasn’t a regular at Pirates.What can we say thanks 2 u Rhulani 4 proving opposition supporters right &Pitso that we r chokers.Quarter&semi finals for 360 minutes we failed 2 score a single goal yet u boasts about ball possession,1000 passes do they translate 2 any glory.In the AFL when Shalulile was injured it was clear that we needed an outright striker like Ighordaro from Supersport but u chose 2 bring a left footed midfielder from Argentina just 2 freeze him at home wow wow Rhulani on top of that u just need another 4 years of winning the league.We know where exactly where we r going with u.Change ur tactics &favoritism it’s killing the team spirit at Sundowns.I never heard a period when Sundowns was beaten away&home by an African team but I can bet this is one of your silly records.Theres nothing called semifinal experience 2016 champions won in Africa with no experience at all.Stop focusing on Pitso do the talking on pitch. We r disappointed that our club won’t feature on the club world cup thanks again 2 u 4 failing 2 consult&work with ur previous co-coaches,just 2 steal the lime light.
Hardluck masandawana and is song for every season now. and I’m sorry to say this this coach is taking us no where, whats the use of signing players and bench them ? why sirino and madieta are not playing .those are creative players who can unlock law bock playing teams.give all players equal chance and change that thing of playing for ball position.