Mamelodi Sundowns’ quest of securing early qualification to the knockout stag of the CAF Champions League has been dealt a massive blow after sharing the spoils with Congolese outfit Saint Eloi Lupopo on Sunday afternoon.
The penultimate Group C clash, held at the Stade du TP Mazembe ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams securing a point each. Sundowns hoped for a win to strengthen their qualification chances, but Saint Eloi Lupopo proved to be a stringer opposition.
The South African champions dropped points for a second successive match, leaving the group balanced ahead of the final round of the games. The race for quarterfinal qualification has really intensified following stalemate between Lupopo and Sundowns.
Saint Eloi Lupopo went to the halftime break with the advantage after DR Congo international Henoc Molia gave the host the lead, just eleven minutes into the match.
After the break, Mamelodi Sundowns showcased resilience and determination, snatching the equalizer through Jayden Adams in the 55th-minute mark. And with no additional goal, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The visitors continued to press for a winner, with Adams again going close and Mokoena striking the post from distance late on. Lupopo also threatened sporadically, but neither side could find a decisive breakthrough.
The draw leaves Sundowns with work to do heading into the final group match, while Lupopo’s resilience keeps them firmly in the qualification conversation.
After five games, Sundowns occupies third spot in Group C with six points, while Saint Eloi Lupopo sit bottom with five points.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal remain top of the group with eight points, followed by MC Alger, who has seven points after five games.
