There was late drama in Luanda as Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 2-1 defeat to Petro de Luanda in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final on Saturday night.
CAF Champions League
Result: Petro de Luanda 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 16 April 2022
Venue: Estadio 11 de Novembro
Sundowns were without the services of George Maluleka and Surprise Ralani, as Gaston Sirino kept his spot in the line-up after Tuesday's big win over Golden Arrows.
The Brazilians got off to the perfect start when Lyle Lakay opened the scoring with a free-kick from distance that deflected into the bottom corner.
However, the hosts weren't behind for too long as they equalised with their first effort at goal thanks to Tiago Azulão's composed finish at the near post.
Sundowns should have restored their lead in the 34th minute when Themba Zwane rounded the goalkeeper but ended up firing against the upright with an empty net before Peter Shalulile blazed wide from the rebound.
The visitors were struggling to deal with crosses coming into the area, as another ball into the box on 41 minutes found its way to Azualo who saw shot deflect just wide of Denis Onyango's upright.
Petro completed the turnaround just before the break when Yano fired home from close range after Onyango had kept out Azulao's flick at the near post.
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The Brazilians were eager to hit back and could have been level on 53 minutes but Shalulile was unable to steer his close-range header past Wellington.
The visitors responded with a double change just after the hour mark, as Sirino and Thapelo Morena made way for Lebohang Maboe and Neo Maema.
Sundowns nearly fell further behind in the 75th minute when Azulao had the ball in the back of the net, however celebrations were cut short for an offside in the build-up.
The Sundowns coaching staff were forced into a re-shuffle a few minutes later after full-back Khuliso Mudau was stretchered off and replaced by Serbian striker Pavol Safranko.
Sundowns had the ball in the back of the net courtesy of a fine strike from Neo Maema, but the goal was ruled out after the Video Assitant Referee spotted a foul in the build-up, as the hosts held on for the win.
Here's how they lined up:
Sundowns: D.Onyango, Mudau, Lakay, Lebusa, B.Onyango, Jali, Mokoena, Morena, Zwane, Sirino, Shalulile
Subs: Mweene, Mvala, De Reuck, Modiba, Maboe, Maema, Safranko, Kapinga, Erasmus
