Following a hard-fought draw on the road that kept their CAF Champions League campaign alive, Mamelodi Sundowns are now set to return home with everything to play for when they face MC Alger this weekend.

Masandawana will host the Algerian outfit on February 14 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in what will be their final match of the group stages as they chase a result that can secure their place in the knockout rounds.

The upcoming clash comes after the Brazilians were also held to a draw in the league on February 1. They picked up a point after playing to a 1-all draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo side Saint Eloi Lupopo on Sunday afternoon at the Stade TP Mazembe.

The encounter started at a high tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively and looking to impose themselves early.

Bafana Ba Style tried to penetrate the danger area from the opening minutes, but Lupopo’s defence held firm and denied the visitors space in key areas.

The hosts had an early moment when they managed to bypass the Sundowns defensive line and drag goalkeeper Ronwen Williams off his mark, but they were unable to beat the offside trap.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 19th minute when the hosts managed to infiltrate the high line once again.

Williams was pulled off his line as a cross that evaded two Sundowns players found a Lupopo forward, who struck with timing and accuracy to put the hosts ahead.

After taking the lead, Lupopo dropped the tempo slightly while still trying to keep control of the match.

Even with the slower pace, the hosts continued to apply pressure, but Masandawana remained compact at the back, with several players closing down passing lanes and limiting clear chances.

The visitors continued to search for an equaliser but went into the break trailing by a goal.

After the restart, the South African side came out with greater dominance than they showed in the first half. Their first attack came down the left flank and resulted in a corner after Lupopo cleared the ball.

Aubrey Modiba delivered the set piece into the box, and Jayden Adams rose to connect with a glancing header that made its way into the net to level the score in the 55th minute.

Sundowns nearly took the lead soon after when Thapelo Morena received the ball inside the box from Brayan León, but his first-touch effort was too strong and sailed over the crossbar.

Lupopo also had moments where they threatened on the counter. From an attack on the edge of the box, the hosts took a shot that flashed across the face of the goal, with Sundowns fortunate not to be punished.

Another major opportunity arrived for Lupopo inside the 70th minute from a corner kick. The initial effort was mistimed, but Teboho Mokoena reacted to the rebound and struck at goal, only to see his attempt denied by the woodwork.

With a strong attacking line on the pitch, Masandawana continued to push for a winner in the closing stages, but the finishing touch was lacking.

The final action of the match came from Lupopo’s late attempt to snatch the lead back, but Khuliso Mudau produced a crucial clearance to keep the score level and ensure Sundowns returned home with a point.

Sundowns will now turn their attention to their final group stage match against MC Alger at Loftus this weekend, knowing a victory could be the difference between advancing to the knockout rounds or falling short of their ambitions in Africa.

Mamelodi Sundowns lineup: Williams, Mudau, Ndamane, Kekana, Modiba, Mokoena, Adams, Santos, Morena, Shalulile, Sales.

Substitutes: Onyango, Reisinho, Johannes, Lunga, Allende, Zwane, Rayners, Matthews, and León.

Also read: Sundowners event raises funds for animals, heritage and conservation at Fort Klapperkop

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