CAF Champions League: Sundowns edge Raja Casablanca at home

New Downs coach Miguel Cardoso made three changes to the starting XI from the previous clash in Morocco, with Devine Lunga, Sphelele Mkhulise and Neo Maema earning starting berths.

The intense heat of the afternoon was matched by the onfiedl action, but both sides found opportunities hard to come by. Raja Casablanca had the first opening in the 19th minute through Adam Ennafati, but Sundowns' defence dealt with the threat calmly.

Lucas Ribeiro came close for the home side in the 26th minute, only to be denied by a perfectly timed tackle from Abdellah Khafifi. Such was Khafifi's effort that he had to be substituted due to injury.

Sundowns grew more aggressive in their attack, with Ribeiro and Malibongwe Khoza coming close, while skipper Ronwen Williams kept the visitors at bay with a fine save late in the first half. Despite sustained pressure from Sundowns, the first half ended goalless, with neither side managing a clear breakthrough.

Cardosoâ™s intentions for the second stanza were clear, introducing Kutlwano Letlhaku for Sphelele Mkhulise and later adding Peter Shalulile for more attacking firepower. Marcelo Allende tested Anas Zniti with a long-range effort, while Khoza narrowly missed a headed opportunity.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute. The in-form Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the game when he latched onto a clever pass from Letlhaku and slotted home, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Brazilians.

Raja Casablanca threatened on the counter, but Sundowns held firm to claim all three points, moving to second place in Group B with five points from three matches.

READ: Riveiro content with away point in CAF Champions League