By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns earned their first CAF Champions League Group B win by beating Raja Casablanca 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.
In a tough match, Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal in the 65th minute, giving new coach Miguel Cardoso a winning start with the team.
Sundowns were not at their best but will be happy with the three points. They are now second in Group B, tied on five points with leaders FAR Rabat, who have a better goal difference after their 1-1 draw with AS Maniema on Saturday.
Cardoso made some changes, with Divine Lunga replacing the suspended Aubrey Modiba at left-back and Neo Maema starting his first Champions League match of the season.
The first half was a struggle for Sundowns, with only one shot on target, thanks to Raja’s strong defense.
They improved in the second half, with Marcelo Allende forcing a save from Raja’s goalkeeper Anas Zniti. Substitutes Kutlwano Letlhaku and Peter Shalulile also came close to scoring.
Rayners finally broke the deadlock with a great strike from the edge of the box. It was his second goal in two Champions League matches.
Raja thought they had equalized, but Adam Ennaffati’s goal was ruled offside. Another goal was also disallowed for offside, leading to protests from the Moroccan team. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t break Sundowns’ defense.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqaraam Rayners shrugs off the challenge of Raja Casablanca midfielder Federico Bicoro.
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
