Sundowns strengthen group place with draw in Algiers

MAMELODI Sundowns’ hard-earned 0-0 draw against MC Alger in their CAF Champions League clash at the Ali La Ponte Stadium continued their unbeaten run and handed them a solid start in their group-stage campaign.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

The Brazilians are leading the group on four points, with Al Hilal set to play their first away match with a visit to the DR Congo to face up against Saint Eloi Lupopo today.

From a South African perspective, with the links shared between the two clubs, this was a fixture that naturally carried extra intrigue.

MC Alger entered the contest under pressure, having lost their opening match and eager to claw back ground against last season’s finalists.

In the buildup, much of the focus fell on the contest between the two high-profile coaches, Rulani Mokwenaand Miguel Cardoso, who both publicly maintained that it was business as usual, with nothing to prove despite their shared history at their former clubs.

Yet, beyond the polished PR lines, either coach would certainly have relished the chance to gain the upper hand.

Ultimately, the match played out as a tight, cautious affair, with neither side willing to take risks.