by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Mamelodi Sundowns have registered their first win in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage with a 1-0 triumph over Raja Casablanca at a buzzing Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.
The lone goal of the game came from Iqraam Rayners, who scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, drilling a right-footed strike into the bottom corner after a well-placed assist from Kutlwano Letlhaku.
The win has afforded Bafana Ba Style the top spot in Group B with five points, they share the spotlight with FAR Rabat, who drew 1-1 with Maniema Union on Saturday.
This was Miguel De Azevedo Cardoso’s first official match as coach for the Brazillians after being announced as the new man in charge last week. Sundowns parted ways with former coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
The Tshwane Giants come from a 1-1 draw against AS FAR Stade El Abdi in Morocco in their last Champions League fixture, and a win over RAJA is set to boost their confidence in their journey.
While both sides enjoyed great singing and cheers from their supporters, the first half at Loftus failed to produce goals with both sides struggling to convert chances.
The South African giants head into the second half of the group stage with renewed confidence as they push for knockout qualification.
Raja, now bottom of Group B with just one point, failed to capitalize on late pressure as Sundowns’ defence, led by Ronwen Williams, held firm.
The second stanza of the match brought smiles and jubilation for the hosts, who enjoyed home-ground advantage spoils from their fans.
The match ended with Sundowns claiming the victory, much to the dismay of Raja supporters, who made their dissatisfaction with he results felt and known to their players as they pelted empty glass bottles and anything on their club’s rental bus, leaving some cracks on window.
It was Sundowns supporter and members of the South African Police Services, SAPS, who came to the rescue of Raja players and the technical team, who tucked away in the bus as hundreds of their supporters attacked their bus.
Sundowns are due to travel to Morocco in January 2025 for their return leg against Raja Casablanca on the 3rd.