Petro shock Sundowns to reach CAF Champions League semi-finals

Captain Tiago Azulao equalised as Angolan visitors Petro Luanda drew 1-1 with hosts Mamelodi Sundowns in Johannesburg on Saturday to reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals.

As it happened | Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF adventure ends as Petro de Luanda advance to Champions League semis

Themba Zwane missed a penalty for Sundowns before Kenyan Brian Onyango gave them an early second-half lead that lasted 15 minutes before Brazilian Azulao levelled from another spot-kick.

It was a shock outcome as Sundowns, after winning home and away against title-holders Al Ahly of Egypt during the group stage, were favoured to win the southern African showdown.

Apart from the group achievements of Sundowns, doubts had been raised about the defensive strength of Petro after a 5-1 hammering by Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in their last away outing.

Petro qualified 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 home win last weekend and now face Wydad or Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria, who play later on Saturday.

Title-holders Al Ahly of Egypt meet Entente Setif of Algiera in the other semi-final, with the first legs scheduled for 6-7 May and the return matches for 13-14 May.

The single-match final of the premier African club competition, which carries a $2.5 million first prize, is set for 29 May at a venue yet to be announced.

On Friday, Ahly forced a 1-1 draw away to Raja Casablanca for a 3-2 overall victory while Setif upset Esperance of Tunisia 1-0 in Rades to win by the same score on aggregate.

Wydad are hot favourites to complete the semi-finals line-up having beaten Belouizdad 1-0 in Algiers last weekend.

Peter Shalulile wasted a great early chance to score for Sundowns by blazing over and Zwane watched in horror on the stroke of half-time as his penalty struck