Jayden Adams’ Strike Sees Masandawana Share Spoils with Lupopo

Mamelodi Sundowns have picked up a point in the CAF Champions League group stages following a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo side, Saint Eloi Lupopo, on Sunday afternoon at the Stade TP Mazembe.

The encounter kicked off with high intensity, as both sides looked to cancel each other out. Both sides displayed high pressure and sharpness in terms of attack on both ends very early in the game. Masandawana looked to penetrate the danger area early in the game, but the hosts’ defence was tight as they denied them.

In an attempt to block the ball after Lupopo managed to bypass the Downs’ defence line, Ronwen Williams went off his mark, but they went past him. Lupopo were, however, unable to beat the Downs’ offside trap.

In the 19th minute, the hosts managed to infiltrate the highline which dragged Williams off his mark. A cross that went past two yellow shirts found a Lupopoforward who didn’t hesitate to punch it in with great timing and accuracy to see the hosts break the deadlock. After the goal, the hosts dropped the tempo while looking to keep the dominance on their side.

Even with the slowed down pace, the hosts continued to apply pressure on Bafana Ba Style, but the defence was loaded with everyone closing any avenues Lupopocould try taking advantage of. Despite searching deeply for an equaliser, Masandawana went to the break trailing by a goal.

In the restart, Masandawana looked more dominant than they were in the opening stanza. Their first attempt from the left flank, but Lupopo cleared the ball, earning the visitors a corner. The setpiece was taken by Aubrey Modiba, who shot it straight to the box. Jayden Adams connected with the ball through a superb glancing header, which went past the numerous blue shirts, rattling the net to level matters on the 55thminute.

Thapelo Morena came close to snatching the lead for his side after receiving the ball inside the box from Brayan Leon. His first touch attempt was, however, too strong, which led to the ball sailing over the bar.

From a counterattack effort on the edge of the box, the hosts pounced on Masandawana and took a shot, but were lucky to see the ball pass the face of the goal.

A big chance came for the host inside the 70th minute from a corner kick. The first attempt was mistimed, but Teboho Mokoena found the rebound. Mokoena’s effort, however, was denied by the woodwork.

With a powerful strike force in front, the visitors continued to knock on the door, but the finishing technique was not there. The last action of the proceedings came from the hosts’ attempt to snatch back the lead, but Khuliso Mudau denied them with a crucial clearance to keep the score at 1-1.

Masandawana will be back at home this weekend for their last match in the group stages. They will face MC Alger with the hopes of salvaging a victory to qualify for the knockout stages.