Mamelodi Sundowns and Fagrie Lakay's Pyramids FC played to a goalless draw in a gruelling CAF Champions League encounter in Group A on Sunday afternoon.
Just one change from Sundowns after their midweek win at AmaZulu saw Sphelele Mkhulise sacrificed for Thapelo Maseko, as the Brazilians pushed for a return to winning ways.
It was a buoyant start from the Egyptians, who looked to catch the Brazilians off guard straight from kick-off but to no avail before seeing another threat off the head later on go wide.
Sundowns soon came to life and pinned the visitors back with the runs from deep by Lucas Ribeiro Costa accompanied by Themba Zwane’s off-the-ball penetrations.
There were a switch-up required from the host though inside the half-hour mark after a knock saw Abdelmounaim Boutouil withdrawn for Thapelo Morena.
Both sides went in search of the opener later in the half, but weren’t able to get a clear entry and entered the tunnel goalless.
Masandawana enjoyed a dominant start in the second half and saw Mosa Lebusa head inches wide from a corner before a snap shot from Maseko had goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy in a spot of bother.
Pyramids were under intense pressure as Ribeiro Costa made a decoy run outside the area to drop to the shoulder of the defence and worked a sprawling save off El Shenawy.
However, a lapse of concentration at the other end presented the Egyptians a way in but South African-born Fagrie Lakay couldn’t capitalise from a gaping goal.
With ten minutes to play, Sundowns looked to have gone ahead with a first-time volley from Peter Shalulile but it was called off for offside.
Pyramids finished with ten players two minutes ahead of time following a second bookable offence by Osama Galal, as the host probed relentlessly for the winner.
At the end, the two sides couldn’t be separated and ended up sharing the spoils that leave matters level in Group A.
Confirmed line-up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Lebusa, Mudau, Boutouil, Kekana, Mokoena, Maseko, Allende, Zwane, Ribeiro, Shalulile
Subs: D.Onyango, Nku, Zungu, Nasir, Sirino, Mashego, Mbule, Morena, Maboe
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