Mamelodi Sundowns stayed top of CAF Champions League Group C after a frustrating but valuable 0–0 draw away to Rhulani Mokwena’s MC Alger.
The PSL champions were made to work hard in Algiers, struggling to find rhythm in a cagey contest that produced few clear openings. Their best first-half chance fell to Tashreeq Matthews, who fired over from a superb Marcelo Allende delivery. MC Alger threatened late in the half, but Zinedine Ferhat wasted a one-on-one opportunity, keeping Sundowns level at the break.
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The second half offered little improvement, with both teams cancelling each other out in a tactical, tight affair. MC Alger increased their intensity in the final stages and thought they had snatched a late winner in the 87th minute, only for the effort to be ruled offside. The point keeps Sundowns on four from two matches, following their commanding 3–1 opening win over Saint Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld, while Alger remain winless but competitive.
Elsewhere, Pyramids FC and RS Berkane remain the only sides on maximum points after back-to-back victories in their groups. Al Ahly lead a crowded Group B after being held 1–1 by FAR Rabat, while Yanga and Kabylie shared a goalless draw. In Group D, Simba SC have made the most surprising start, sitting bottom after two defeats, including a 2–1 loss to Stade Malien.
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Matchday two underscored two early trends: home sides continue to avoid defeat in most fixtures, and goals remain scarce, just 13 were scored across eight games. The Champions League now pauses until 23 January, with Sundowns well placed for the next phase.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
