Mamelodi Sundowns encountered disappointment following a goalless draw against AS Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their CAF Champions League opener at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.

The match began with Sundowns dominating possession as expected, while Maniema employed a tight defensive formation, aiming to thwart Sundowns’ central attacks and looking to capitalize on counterattacks.

The visitors were forced into an early substitution in the eighth minute, bringing on Kanu Jonathan in place of Mola Otinga due to a muscle injury.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa came close to scoring in the 15th minute, trying to catch Efonge Brudel off-guard with a long-range curled shot, but the goalkeeper managed to save it, conceding only a corner.

Their next effort came from a well-executed free-kick by Teboho Mokoena from the edge of the box, aiming for the top corner, yet he was stopped by Efonge.

Marcelo Allende had the final shot of the first half, but it was an easy save for the goalkeeper, leaving the match scoreless at halftime.

The home team came out energized in the second half, eager to find the opening goal with a flurry of attacks. Allende floated a ball over the entire Maniema defense to Arthur Sales, who was thwarted by Efonge’s quick reflexes.

A golden opportunity for the Brazilians arose in the 62nd minute when Ribeiro set up Thapelo Morena in the box; however, the latter’s weak shot went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Maniema applied some pressure with four consecutive corner kicks, almost catching Sundowns off guard with a shot from Moanda Exaucia that struck the crossbar after Sundowns failed to clear the ball from their area.

Frustrations mounted for Sundowns, which led Mngqithi to make a double substitution in the 70th minute, introducing Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema for Erwin Saavreda and Kobamelo Kodisang. Costa charged in for another powerful shot from outside the box, but Efonge managed to tip it over, aided by the post.

Despite their best efforts, Sundowns couldn’t find the back of the net and were left with a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign. This is the first time Sundowns have failed to win their opening group stage match since their loss to Nigerian side Lobu Stars in the 2018/19 season under coach Pitso Mosimane.

On that occasion, Sundowns bounced back to finish second behind Wydad Casablanca.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi, whose team entered this match after a defeat in the Carling Knockout Cup final to Magesi FC over the weekend, will be hoping for an upturn in their next five matches.