Peter Shalulile rescued Mamelodi Sundowns from the brink of defeat against AS Maniema Union during the CAF Champions League match at Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte on Saturday.
Shalulile netted two late goals, allowing Sundowns to secure a 2-1 victory and maintain their second position in Group B.
Before Shalulile’s crucial goals, Sundowns’ captain Ronwen Williams demonstrated his status as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers by making an essential save against Rachidi Musinga with a diving block.
In this crucial encounter, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso opted for four alterations in the lineup following a 1-0 setback to Raja Casablanca in their previous match.
Mosa Lebusa, Sphelele Mkhulise, Thapelo Morena, and Arthur Sales were brought into the starting XI, while Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas were sidelined due to suspensions from red cards received in Morocco.
Nevertheless, the home team came close to scoring first with a free kick in the 16th minute, but Ordy Simete’s header went wide.
Just four minutes later, Maniema pressed on with a dangerous cross, but Jephte Kitambala’s header flew over the bar.
In the 23rd minute, Maniema made their first attempt on target from a corner, but Williams was quick to make the save.
The visitors, Sundowns, responded with Marcelo Allende narrowly missing the goal as his attempt struck the side netting.
Maniema continued their pursuit of a breakthrough, but Obed Mbala’s half-volley went off target shortly after the half-hour mark.
Following a swift corner that involved a quick one-two play, Teboho Mokoena’s long-range shot narrowly missed the bar. The home team eventually took the lead in the 38th minute, with Kitambala scoring via a low shot from outside the box.
This goal appeared to deflate the visitors, allowing the home side to gain momentum, leading to Allende receiving a yellow card for conceding a free kick on the edge of the box, which subsequently resulted in a corner for Maniema, with the halftime score at 1-0.
In the second half, Cardoso made a tactical substitution, introducing Tashreeq Matthews for Sales. Sundowns were eager to equalize, with Mokoena attempting a long-range effort that sailed over the bar.
Nearing the hour mark, the South African champions nearly leveled the score when Morena chased down a well-placed pass, but the former Bloemfontein Celtic player failed to score from a tight angle.
In the 62nd minute, Terrence Mashego and Kutlwano Letlhaku were brought in to replace Divine Lunga and Mkhulise, respectively. Lucas Ribeiro tried a delicate header ten minutes later, but Lyongo Efonge in goal reacted promptly to clear the threat.
Just two minutes after his introduction, Shalulile equalized, finding himself unmarked at the far post to finish off a delivery from Mokoena in the 83rd minute, dramatically shifting the game’s momentum.
Shalulile then struck what seemed to be the winning goal shortly thereafter, managing to evade the offside trap; although the ball may have deflected off a defender and could be categorized as an own goal, Sundowns celebrated, successfully steering clear of what looked to be an inevitable loss.
With this win, Sundowns earned eight points from five matches, holding on to second place, while Maniema lingered at the bottom of the group with just three points, marking the end of their journey in the competition.
