Sundowns edge Raja in Pretoria

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Dec 15, 2024. 18:45

Mamelodi Sundowns claimed maximum points in their latest CAF Champions League assignment after a tense 1-0 win against Raja Casablanca at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

The Brazilians settled early on the ball and bossed the possession count inside the first five minutes. Lucas Costa proved to be attacker-in-chief for his side and often evaded Raja defenders en-route to the opposition goal. However, the travelling outfit sat tight and quickly deployed a low-block system to keep Sundowns at bay.

Raja continued to play under the cosh with the game progressing beyond 15 minutes on the clock and provided little attacking impetus going forward.

It was more of the same for Sundowns midway through the first 45 with Costa creating the best chance of the match moments before the half-hour mark. The Tshwane club’s intricate passing patterns on the edge of the 18-yard-area lit up the crowd in Pretoria but were unable to make the most of their forward advancements.

The Moroccan side’s defence heavy tactics often frustrated the Sundowns attack line as Miguel Cardoso visibly showcased his irritation on the touchline. Nevertheless, with neither side able to break the deadlock, the referee called time on the first-half with the score level at 0-0.

Sundowns looked lively during the first 10 minutes of the new half and actively searched for an opener after the restart. Kutlwano Letlhaku came close to opening the scoring shortly before the hour-mark following a swift transition move into the Raja area. However, the attacker’s shot whistled over the crossbar as Raja breathed a sigh of relief.

The home side’s pressure paid off in the 65^th minute as Iqraam Rayners etched his name on the scoresheet in dramatic fashion. Following a massive clearance by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Letlhaku squared the ball to Rayners who capped off an efficient attack with a calm right-footed shot just outside the area.

Costa remained a proactive outlet for Sundowns throughout the second-half but was swiftly dealt with by the Raja defenders on numerous occasions.

While Costa piled on the pressure after the 75^th minute mark, Raja turned to their bench with reinforcements in the hope of changing the complexion of the tie.

Nonetheless, Sundowns managed to see out the game with their 1-0 lead intact and in turn, record their first victory in Group B.

Mamelodi Sundowns: (0) 1 (Rayners 65’)

Raja Casablanca: (0) 0

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Khoza, Mokoena, Lunga (Mashego 80’), Mudau, Mkhulise (Letlhaku 46’), Allende, Lebusa, Maema (Shalulile 60’), Rayners (Maboe 80’), Costa (Sales  84’)

Raja Casablanca: Zniti, Boulacsoute, Arrasi, Khafifi (Benamar 33’), Baadi, Zerhouni, Bikoro, Mouhsine (Bougrine 66’), Ennaffati (Soussi 79’), Zrida, Najjari (Zila 66’)