Pressure mounts on Manqoba Mngqithi as Mamelodi Sundowns held to frustrating draw by AS Maniema Union in Caf Champions League clash

South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by AS Maniema Union in the Caf Champions League clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The visitors sat deep, often playing with six players at the back, and it proved effective as Downs failed to create many clear-cut opportunities.

Masandawana dominated the whole first half but they couldn't make a breakthrough until the half-time whistle was blown.

Maniema came back guns blazing in the early stages of the second half, creating dangerous chances but failed to capitalise.

Manqoba Mngqithi's star-studded team tried their best but they couldn't put the ball in the back of the net.

The credit goes to coach Papy Kimoto and his Maniema side who frustrated one of the top contenders of this season's Champions League away from home.
Maniema looked solid and compact most of the time and they managed to secure an important point on the road.

Sharing the spoils at home should be very frustrating to Mngqithi as he would have wanted the whole three points. 

The result will further complicate the 53-year-old's future at the Tshwane giants as the Caf Champions League is a priority at the club.

Sundowns are scheduled to make their comeback to the Caf Champions League action on December 7 as they travel to Morocco to face a team from the Botola Pro League outfit AS FAR Rabat.

In contrast, Maniema Union are set to face off against the three-time Caf Champions League winners Raja Casablanca on the same day.