In a dramatic CAF Champions League encounter on Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns experienced a tough 1-0 loss away to Moroccan club Raja Casablanca.
The match was filled with tension and controversy, especially after two Sundowns players were sent off.
Two Red Cards for Mamelodi Sundowns
The first expulsion occurred late in the first half when midfielder Bathusi Aubaas was given a straight red card.
His studs-up challenge on Raja Casablanca’s Younes Najjari resulted in the booking, leaving Sundowns down to 10 men.
Things took another turn for Sundowns in the dying minutes of the game when full-back Khuliso Mudau was also sent off.
Mudau struck Raja’s forward Nawfel Zerhouni in the face during added time, further hindering Sundowns’ chances of a comeback.
Raja Casablanca’s Victory Sealed by Late Goal
Raja Casablanca’s triumph was secured by a goal in the second minute of added time in the first half.
Centre-back Benaissa Benamar scored from close range amid contentious appeals for offside.
The goal proved to be enough to earn Raja Casablanca their first win in the group stage and hand Sundowns their first defeat.
Moroccan Clubs Dominate Group B
Meanwhile, in the same group, FAR Rabat of Morocco continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
FAR Rabat, who have led the table since matchday one, now sit comfortably at the top with eight points, while Raja Casablanca’s win has pushed them into contention for a top-two finish.
Sundowns Aim to Recover from Setback
As the group stage continues, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have five points, need to regroup after the loss.
Their next fixtures will be crucial to their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.
They will be keeping an eye on Raja Casablanca’s upcoming matches against FAR Rabat and Maniema Union, hoping for a favorable outcome.
Orlando Pirates Shine in Group C
Elsewhere, Orlando Pirates have made a significant jump in Group C.
The South African side rose from third to first place after a resounding 3-0 victory over bottom club Stade d’Abidjan from Ivory Coast.
Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Deon Hotto helped the Pirates secure all three points.
Group C Standings
Orlando Pirates now lead the group with eight points, followed closely by defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt with seven.
Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria has six points, while Stade d’Abidjan remains at the bottom with just one point.
Can Sundowns and Pirates Qualify for the Quarter-Finals?
With the group stages nearing their end, both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are in the running for qualification to the quarter-finals.
While Sundowns face a tough path ahead, Pirates are in a strong position to secure a top spot in their group.