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Mamelodi Sundowns had to be content with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Al-Hilal Omdurman in their CAF Champions’ League Group C match, even though they controlled most of the game at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night. The Sundowns entered the match as clear favorites and displayed their attacking approach from the start, but it was the visitors who scored first against the flow of the game. Abdel Raouf shocked the home fans in the 15th minute by scoring decisively, giving Al-Hilal an early advantage. Sundowns responded like champions and equalized just seven minutes later. Arthur Sales didn’t miss his chance in the 22nd minute, netting the ball after a great pass from Nuno Santos to bring the scores level. The hosts continued to dominate possession and rhythm, searching for a breakthrough, but had to wait until the second half to get their reward. In the 64th minute, Teboho Mokoena put Sundowns ahead with a well-taken goal following a precise assist from Thapelo Matthews, sending the home supporters into celebration and making it seem like the South Africans were on track for all three points. However, Al-Hilal refused to give up. With less than 20 minutes left, Abdel Raouf scored again in the 71st minute, completing his brace by finishing a move set up by Adama Coulibali, which silenced the stadium and brought the score to 2-2. Despite intense late pressure from Sundowns, including several half-chances and prolonged possession in the final third, the Sudanese team held strong to secure a crucial away point. The result has left Sundowns regretting missed chances on a night when they had the majority of possession and territory, while Al-Hilal will take confidence from a resilient performance and the clinical finishing of their two-goal hero, Abdel Raouf, in what turned out to be an exciting and fiercely contested Champions League match. The visitors ended the game with 10 men after substitute Emmanuel Flomo received a straight red card for an elbow on Mudau with about five minutes remaining. Both teams now have five points after three matches played, with their group rematch scheduled at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on January 30, at 21:00 CAT.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).