Mamelodi Sundowns draw CAF Champions League semi-final despite red cards

The Brazilians were in the game until the 41st minute when things turned sour. Namibian striker Peter Shalulile's goal was disallowed by VAR for being offside.

Sundowns saw two players sent off and another goal disallowed through VAR intervention.

Despite the odds, Masandawana managed to survive with a man down for the rest of the first half.

In the second half, the visitors adopted a direct, route-one approach and relied on Thapelo Morena's pace down the right flank to keep the Wydad defence honest.

Wydad breached the Sundowns defense on one occasion, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a smart low save to keep the scores even.

Midfielders Sipho Mbule and Tebogo Mokoena threw themselves at every 50-50 tackle, not letting Wydad dominate the midfield despite their man advantage.

Sundowns fans' hearts were in their mouths in the dying minutes of the game as Wydad came close to scoring, but the South African giants held on for the draw.

However, Sundowns ended the game with only nine players on the field as Marcelo Allende was also sent off in stoppage time.

The second leg of the match will be played at Loftus next Saturday.