It was a heart-stopping match in Kinshasa, where Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a dramatic 2-1 victory over Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The hero of the night was Namibian forward Peter Shalulile, whose late-game heroics turned the tide.

Coming off the bench, Shalulile first equalized with a close-range header in the 83rd minute.

Then, in a tense fifth minute of added time, his relentless pressure forced an own goal by Maniema’s Exaucia Moanda, securing a critical win for the South African side.

FAR Rabat and Pyramids Secure Quarterfinal Spots

Elsewhere in the CAF Champions League, FAR Rabat from Morocco cemented their place in the quarterfinals with a 1-1 draw against Raja Casablanca.

The game featured an unfortunate own goal from veteran Raja goalkeeper Anas Zniti, followed by a late equalizer from Nawfel Zerhouni.

FAR Rabat now leads Group B with nine points, keeping them ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have eight.

In Group D, Egyptian giants Pyramids FC booked their knockout-stage ticket with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Angolan side Sagrada Esperanca.

Marwan Hamdy scored his first goal of the tournament in dramatic fashion during added time, marking a historic moment for the expensively assembled squad.

Al Ahly Bounces Back with a Hat-Trick Hero

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly recovered from their recent loss in style, defeating Stade Abidjan 3-1 in Ivory Coast.

The match saw Emam Ashour steal the spotlight with a sensational second-half hat-trick.

His goals, including a tap-in, a header, and a close-range finish, overturned Stade Abidjan’s surprising first-half lead and secured a much-needed victory for the defending champions.

Group B’s Tight Race and Upcoming Showdowns

The competition in Group B remains fierce, with Mamelodi Sundowns hosting FAR Rabat next Sunday.

A draw would be enough for Sundowns to advance to the quarterfinals, but a loss, combined with a Raja Casablanca win over Maniema Union, could complicate their path.

Head-to-head records would then determine who progresses, adding another layer of drama to the final group stage matches.

Lucky Escape or Gritty Determination?

Mamelodi Sundowns’ narrow win has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Was it a testament to their resilience or a fortunate escape? Whatever the perspective, the team’s ability to fight until the final whistle is undeniable.

Looking Ahead in the CAF Champions League

The tournament continues to deliver excitement, with Tunisian club Esperance poised to join Pyramids in the next stage if they can overcome Malian side Djoliba.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will face a crucial encounter against Algeria’s Chabab Belouizdad in Soweto, with a win ensuring their progression alongside Al Ahly.

Stay tuned as the CAF Champions League unfolds, bringing fans edge-of-the-seat action and unforgettable moments.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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