Sundowns Settle for Draw Against FAR Rabat in Champions League Clash
Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a second consecutive draw in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, settling for a 1-1 tie against FAR Rabat at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi.
The South African side missed a golden opportunity to ascend to the top of Group B after squandering a lead established by Iqraam Rayners’ goal in the 66th minute.
FAR Rabat captain Mohamed Hrimat leveled the score with just 16 minutes remaining, leaving Sundowns still searching for their first victory in the group stage.
Coach Manqoba Mngqithi opted for a tactical switch, benching striker Arthur Sales in favor of Peter Shalulile and entrusting rookie defender Malibingwe Khoza with a starting role.
The Moroccans nearly seized the lead early in the encounter when defender Anas Bach unleashed a shot that narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
In the 27th minute, FAR pressed their claim for a penalty after Aubrey Modiba’s challenge on Youseff El Fahli.
“The referee should have awarded Rabat a spot kick,” commented SABC Sport analyst Itumeleng Khune.
Khalis Ait Ouarkhane emerged as a constant threat in the Sundowns’ defense, forcing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a pair of remarkable saves.
Rayners, however, continued his impressive scoring form, netting for the third consecutive match with a clinical finish from a Williams long ball.
Disaster struck for Sundowns as FAR captain Hrimat capitalized on a lapse in concentration, tapping home an El Fahli cross to restore parity.
In a desperate attempt to regain the lead, Shalulile unleashed a bicycle kick, but his efforts proved fruitless.
Sundowns suffered a further blow in injury time when Modiba received a red card, leaving the visitors to finish the match with ten men.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bathusi Aubaas against FAR Rabat
What specific defensive weaknesses were exposed by FAR Rabat that Sundowns should address in training?
## Sundowns Stumble Again: A Champions League Draw in Rabat
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re discussing Mamelodi Sundowns’ latest Champions League match, which saw them draw 1-1 against FAR Rabat. Joining us to analyse this result is football commentator, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, another draw for Sundowns. Is this cause for concern for the team?
**Alex Reed:** It certainly isn’t ideal. [[1](https://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-des-champions-africaine/2024-2025/live-far-rabat-mamelodi-sundowns_mtc1539720/live.shtml)]This is their second consecutive draw in the group stage, and while they remain undefeated, they’re dropping crucial points that could come back to haunt them later.
**Host:** What were some of the key moments in the match?
**Alex Reed:** FAR Rabat came out strong and took a surprising early lead. Sundowns fought back hard, but their equalizer came late in the game.
It was a back-and-forth affair, and both teams had their chances to snatch a victory.
**Host:** What areas do Sundowns need to improve on moving forward?
**Alex Reed:** They need to find more consistency in their attacking play. They created opportunities, but struggled to capitalize on them.
Defensively, they also looked a bit shaky at times.
**Host:** Thanks for your insights, Alex Reed. It looks like Sundowns have some work to do if they want to make a deep run in the CAF Champions League this season.
