It wasn’t a good day for both South African teams in the CAF Champions League. Mamelodi Sundowns lose in Nigeria and Orlando Pirates draw in Zimbabwe.
Lobi Stars 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns got their CAF Champions League group stage underway with a 2-1 defeat to Lobi Stars in Enugu, Nigeria on Friday evening.
Lobi Stars dominated much of the first half but Sundowns scored the first goal minutes from the half time break. However, Stars found an equaliser, via a penalty, with the last kick of the half.
Related
10 Reasons Sundowns Supporters Should Be Worried
In the second half, Lobi Stars found their second goal after 52 minutes. Sundowns showed signs of ascendancy but their vigour tailed off in the latter stages of the game.
Lobi Stars deserved to win the game. Sundowns now have only one win in eight away CAF Champions League games.
FC Platinum 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates began their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a point after being held by FC Platinum at the Barbourfields Stadium in Zimbabwe.
Orlando Pirates are the better team on paper and the disparity in quality showed in the first half an hour. Chances fell to Justin Shonga, Innocent Maela, and Thembinkosi Lorch but they failed to convert. Platinum got their virginity jitters out the way and started playing football late in the first half.
Related
Are Pirates Succumbing To The Pressures Of Being League Favorites?
In the second half, Pirates were still lookest likeliest to score but, Platinum had their chances. The game fizzled out of any action around the 75th-minute mark. Both teams seemed content with the draw.
Orlando Pirates were the superior team but didn’t finish their opportunities. This has become the story of their season. A positive is they managed to keep a clean sheet for only the third time in 10 games.