Zamalek Downed

28 July 2016 - 09:31 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

It was a cruel twist of fate for the visitors but deserved stroke of luck for hostsAli Gabr's unfortunate 80th- minute own goal handed Mame-lodi Sundowns a deserved 1-0 win in their CAF Champions League Group B clash against Zamalek in Atteridgeville last night.The burly centreback turned in Keagan Dolly's cross-shot and the ball dribbled agonisingly away from the wrong-footed goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy.It was a cruel twist of fate for the visitors but a deserved stroke of luck for the hosts.Pitso Mosimane's side have nine points from their three games and have guaranteed the crucial top spot.The first-half was high on style but lacked goal-scoring substance.Sundowns should have taken the lead in the 38th minute when Khama Billiat beat Gabr for pace but his shot could not get past the excellent El-Shenawy.The tussle between the Egyptian international and the Zimbabwean winger was a highlight.El-Shenawy also kept out a Billiat shot in the 33rd minute.Teko Modise made a rare appearance due to Tiyani Mabunda's absence through suspension.Sundowns battled in the pace stakes with the likes of Mahmoud Shikabala and Basem Morsy creating havoc.However, Zamalek's best chance of the half fell to leftback Ali Fathy, who shot straight at Denis Onyango.Sundowns had other chances through Leonardo Castro and Modise but failed to keep El-Shenawy busy.The chilly conditions allowed for a hi-octane second half where Sundowns again had chances they could not quite bury.Castro and Tebogo Langerman were culprits eight minutes into the stanza though the latter's shot had the beating of El-Shenawy as it skipped wide of the upright.It was a similar case with Hlompho Kekana's 75th minute piledriver but El-Shenawy was equal to the task.It was a pity the own goal spoiled what was a good game for the 25-year-old...

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