Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Williete S.C. in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at Estadio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango on Sunday evening.

The South African side had several opportunities to take the lead but failed to convert their chances into goals. The result means that the tie remains open ahead of the return fixture next week, when Sundowns will look to secure their place in the next round of the competition.

Before kick-off, Sundowns confirmed that captain Ronwen Williams and defender Aubrey Modiba would miss the match because of injuries. The club indicated that both players had suffered injuries that were not considered serious and were expected to return soon.

Ricardo Goss was selected to replace Williams in goal, while Khulumani Ndamane started at left-back in the absence of Modiba. Despite the changes to the starting line-up, Sundowns looked to take control of the match from the opening minutes.

The visitors nearly opened the scoring just five minutes into the encounter when Brayan León got behind the Williete defence. The striker found himself in a promising position and attempted to finish the move, but his effort was cleared off the line before Sundowns could take an early lead.

Sundowns continued to search for a breakthrough and created another opportunity in the 25th minute. Tashreeq Matthews cut inside from the right and took a shot at goal, but his effort lacked the power needed to trouble the home side.

The Brazilians suffered a setback shortly before half-time when midfielder Teboho Mokoena was forced off with an injury. Bathusi Aubaas came on as his replacement, giving Sundowns another change to manage before the break.

Williete struggled to threaten the visitors for much of the match, but the home side came close to scoring in the 71st minute. Agostinho Cristóvão Paciência Mabululu found an opportunity from close range, but Goss reacted well to push the ball behind for a corner.

Neither team managed to find the winning goal during the remaining minutes, and the match ended 0-0.

Although Sundowns will be disappointed that they could not take advantage of their scoring opportunities, they will have another chance to settle the tie in the second leg. The team will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to progress in the competition.

Attention will also turn to the fitness of Williams, Modiba and Mokoena ahead of the return fixture. Sundowns will hope to have their key players available as they continue their CAF Champions League campaign.

Source: IDiskiTimes