Having collected five points from four matches at the start of this match, Sundowns needed to beat Maniema to go to the last home match against AS FAR not under pressure to win at all costs.
With this victory, Sundowns stand a good chance to qualify after five rounds if AS FAR beat their Moroccan rivals Raja Casablanca in a match to be played late on Saturday.
For some reason, Sundowns — who are looking to qualify for the knockout stages for the seventh straight time — have battled to score goals in this group as they came to this match, having scored just twice and won one game out of four matches.
Sundowns should have scored at least one goal in the first half as Sales found himself free in the seventh minute but chose to shoot wide when he had all the time to compose himself and pick a spot.
Ribeiro too ballooned over the bar when he had a good opening to score midway through the first half. As Sundowns were wasting their chances, the home side got more and more into the game, with Kitambala proving a handful to the Sundowns defence.
Sundowns were to pay a price for their wastage when Kitambala broke all the way from his half to shrug off Mokoena before beating Ronwen Williams with a low shot in the near post.
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