Mamelodi Sundowns started their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a goalless draw against a valiant AS Maniema Union on Tuesday evening.
CAF Champions League
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 AS Maniema Union
Date: 26 November 2025
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Brazilians coach Manqoba Mngqithi rang the changes after Saturday's loss to Magesi in the Carling Knockout final, as Arthur Sales, Malibongwe Khoza, Kobamelo Kodisang and Erwin Saavedra were handed starts.
The home side dominated in the early exchanges in the first half but they found it tough to carve out any clear-cut chances and were restricted to efforts from distance in the opening 15 minutes.
Sundowns did go close with one of those efforts from distance Tebhoho Mokoena let fly with a powerful free-kick from distance, but Maniema produced a good save to tip the effort over the crossbar.
Unfortunately for the hosts, that proved to be the trend for the remainder of the first half as the Congolese outfit were well-drilled defensively, as they denied their opposition any joy in the 18 yard area.
That nearly changed shortly after the break when Marcello Allende did well to pick out Sales in the box, but the striker saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Brudel Liyongo at point-blank range.
Sundowns were living dangerously after that as Maniema Union passed up a glorious chance to pulled ahead after 55 minutes, Agee Amongo ballooned his effort over the target while Exaucia Moanda rattled the crossbar from six yards minutes later.
With the visitors getting more joy going forward, the home side responded with a triple change for the final 20 minutes as Khuliso Mudau, Neo Maema and Peter Shalulile were introduced for Saavedra, Arthur Sales and Kodisang.
Maniema remained resolute for the rest of the half, with Sundowns going closest with a powerful strike from distance that sailed just over the crossbar as the two sides settle for a share of the spoils.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Khoza, Mokoena, Kekana, Lunga, Morena, Kodisang, Saavedra, Allende, Sales, Ribeiro
Subs: Onyango, Modiba, Marema, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Mudau, Maseko, Mvala, Shalulile
