Mamelodi Sundowns registered a defeat in Morocco, a first in this edition of the CAF Champions League, following a 1-0 scoreline over Raja Casablanca on Saturday evening at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
There was a lively start to the game, with both sides playing furiously. It is, however, the home team that quickly snatched dominance very early in the game, as well as posing the first threat.
Masandawana were quick with the retaliation and the press, as Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews looked to find the back of the net with their chances, but both chances were too soft despite being on target. There were some good ideas in front of the goal displayed by the away side as they found their rhythm in the game, but they were just not getting it right.
Downs started looking more comfortable on the ball and were sending warning signs to their Raja counterparts. This saw Iqraam Rayners finding the back of the net with no defense on sight but was unlucky to have the offside flag raised.
With five minutes left of the first stanza, the referee gave Bathusi Aubaas matching orders following a mistimed challenge on the opponent, leaving coach Miguel Cardoso’s charges with ten men on the field. This encouraged them to open the scoring, and Rayners was eager to find the back of the net, but his shot was too tight as it found the bucket hands of the keeper.
Just before the halftime whistle was blown, the home side were able to snatch the lead from a set piece, seeing the visitors heading to the break a goal down.
Raja picked up where they left off as they were seen displaying a dangerous restart, looking to double their lead. They kept taking the ball to Downs half and posing threats, but the defense, together with the goalkeeper, were working hard to ensure another goal didn’t go past them.
There were moments when the Brazilians were close to finding an equalizer, but they were just not getting it right. The game concluded with another red card as Downs went down in Morocco.
How we lined up: Williams ©, Mudau, Khoza, Kekana, Lunga, Mokoena, Allende, Aubaas, Rayners, Matthews, Ribeiro.
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Modiba, Morena, Mkhulise, Sales, Lorch, Letlhaku, Shalulile.
Flemming must Go, Flemming must Go, Flemming must Go. The man is dragging our team backwards. He brings in his useless South American players at exorbitant amounts, prizes that even the Belgian 🇧🇪 1st division teams will never pay for our PSL players. He’s definitely benefiting from these deals and exploiting the Motsepe family. But I don’t sympathise with them since they don’t have confidence in our own black brothers. Manqoba was not even supposed to be fired in the 1st place, one could see where he was taking the team to, but now the team has completely lost identity. Honestly speaking, there’s nothing special to write home about Raja Casablanca. This is the time that the likes of Mkhulise, Maboe and Maema were supposed to take advantage of the fatigue of certain players, but alas, they’ve proved to be equally useless and in my view should be released. Lunga was also sidelined for a very long time, but there he is effectively using the game time he’s been given.
Dalom its a great question Mngqithi identified Rayners as a potential signing&never disappointed 13 goalsin 18 mathes,then Fleming what what sees Sales&isn’t coaching him,even Cardoso can’t rely on this player then again Sundowns brought back Saavedra 2 do what at Sundowns.But yesterday 2 b honest officiating was appalling,I think we wer supposed 2 get a penalty,then players confronted an official 2 send off an opponent then boom a red card 4 Mudau.I would like 2 c if Rayners was offside,then a card is issued 2 Rayners 4 being pulled by a defender what’s that?Then 2 dangerous free kicks 4 clean tackles by Tebogo.Marcello was kicked&shoved the player went scot free then Ribeiro shown a card.That blonde player shud had his marching orders bt referee chose 2 give a card 2 a different player.I wasn’t satisfied at all by match officials.Ribeiro wll cost us dearly at a world stage Aaubus got a red card bcoz of Ribeiro’s over elaborating then the boy lost his footing bcoz of pressure had he made 4ward pass no red card at all.Bt 2 say the least I’m expecting nothing again in this Champions league.Ighordaro is supposed 2 b brought back,there’s no surprise at all from these S.Americans that play football like girls.I saw Esquivel’s name another presence that will help us with nothing.These lasers ?R they part of a FIFA FAIR PLAY,4 a players sight should b deliberately hindered by these barbarians.It seems as if African problems wll b tackled after 200 years.
Honestly …. Khuliso is illdisciplined he nearly cost the team also why punch a player in the face ??? Also Aubaas cost the team unnecessary red card …. after his red card we ere punished … Khoza looked ovewhelmed lost so many balls…. The substitution of Lebusa when we were losing was disappointing … at that moment we needed Shalulile or Lorch to press the Raja defence …. Towards the end of the match I liked the fighting spirit by the team …unlucky for Lorch we could have equalised …. We are now under pressure to win the last 2 matches to be certain and forget about whatever happens elsewhere … that is the ONLY scenario best for use in order to avoid us taking out calculators
I think people are being zenophobic about the South Americans!! You fail to blame Aubaas on the reckless tackle that he made on his opponent without any justification for it!! Ribero never deal dulled with the ball!! It was simple to Aubaas who the ball without any pressure and miscontrolled the ball decided to turn back wards and loosing subsequently!! Allende is our best distribution midfielder, better any one that you can think of in that team!! Against Raja he lacked match fitness just like lorch!! The game was just too quick for them!! Khoza is a good prospect but for such he was not needed!! I rest my case!!
Dalom good evening my brother and everyone who is supporting sundowns fully. You are spot on if you say Flaming Berg must go. He is destroying our team. Even RULANIs departure was harsh. AYI eKaMnqithi was unbelievable. Look Man City lost plus or minus 12 games in a raw but PEP wasn’t fired. Possible that Fleming is benefiting from those deals on south American. It is disgusting
Other people says the management did exceptional well to fire Mnqithi no man that wasn’t a spot decision. Mnqithi tried to discipline uMdau no Teboho people were against him because he is a black man. Even Broos intervene unnecessary because he is a white person. I’m telling you most of sundowns player’s are not humble they lack respect. Mdau,Teboho, Riberio, Aubass, Aubrey, Allende. Professor mentioned that he coached Mudau at Black Leopard FC the guy is ill discipline. He (Professor) correct about Mudau’s behavior. Mudau’s is ill discipline he costed us. He will still cost us.
Masandawa what we need to do as supporters to bring happiness in our team because Fleming has stolen it away from us. Look Broos back Nabi and said Nabi is right but Chiefs FC lack quality. The same Broos undermine Mnqithi when he was trying to discipline uMdau and Teboho. Imagine Broos intervene on what is happening at Mamelodi-sundowns but he is a National coach. Broos must step down he is not capable to lead us
Dear Sir Flemming,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you with genuine concern and a heavy heart regarding the current state of our team. With the utmost respect, I kindly ask that you take this feedback into consideration.
Since your arrival, we have noticed a worrying trend: several key players and even members of management have left the team. This has had a significant impact on morale and performance. It is clear that something is not working as it should, and we believe this issue requires urgent attention.
Our players no longer seem motivated, and as passionate supporters of the club, it is disheartening to see the team losing its identity. We take pride in playing quality, entertaining football — our signature “shoe shine and piano” style. We want to preserve that legacy and ensure the team remains united and competitive.
Please take time to evaluate the situation and consider how we can move forward positively. Our only request is to see our team thriving once again, without further losses of key players.
Thank you for your time and understanding. I truly hope we can resolve this for the benefit of everyone involved.
Wishing you all the best,